What the Imam Bears on Behalf of the Congregation
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Question:
It is said that the Imam bears some of the obligations on behalf of the congregation. We ask for clarification of this, and an explanation of what he bears.
Answer:
Yes, the Imam bears some things on behalf of the congregation. Among these is that he bears the prostration for forgetfulness on their behalf. If the one praying behind him forgets, he owes nothing; rather, the Imam prostrates, and he prostrates with him.
As for his own forgetfulness while he is with the Imam, it does not harm him, and he is not permitted to prostrate alone if he has been with the Imam from the beginning of the prayer, as the Imam bears it on their behalf. If the Imam leaves out the first tashahhud and stands up, they stand up with him. He bears this first tashahhud on their behalf. If he stands up in forgetfulness, they follow him, and he prostrates for the prostration of forgetfulness.
According to some scholars, he also bears the recitation of Surat al-Fatihah on their behalf. According to the majority, he bears Surat al-Fatihah on their behalf, and it is not obligatory for them. However, the more correct view is that it is obligatory for the congregation, and that he does not bear it on their behalf. This is the preferred position due to the generality of the evidence, based on his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):Jami` at-Tirmidhi 247Sahih (Darussalam) in the two Sahihs.
And his saying (peace and blessings be upon him) in the other narration: We said: Yes. He said: Sunan Abi Dawud 823Da'if (Al-Albani) in other hadiths.
It is said that the Imam bears some of the obligations on behalf of the congregation. We ask for clarification of this, and an explanation of what he bears.
Answer:
Yes, the Imam bears some things on behalf of the congregation. Among these is that he bears the prostration for forgetfulness on their behalf. If the one praying behind him forgets, he owes nothing; rather, the Imam prostrates, and he prostrates with him.
As for his own forgetfulness while he is with the Imam, it does not harm him, and he is not permitted to prostrate alone if he has been with the Imam from the beginning of the prayer, as the Imam bears it on their behalf. If the Imam leaves out the first tashahhud and stands up, they stand up with him. He bears this first tashahhud on their behalf. If he stands up in forgetfulness, they follow him, and he prostrates for the prostration of forgetfulness.
According to some scholars, he also bears the recitation of Surat al-Fatihah on their behalf. According to the majority, he bears Surat al-Fatihah on their behalf, and it is not obligatory for them. However, the more correct view is that it is obligatory for the congregation, and that he does not bear it on their behalf. This is the preferred position due to the generality of the evidence, based on his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):
There is no Salat for the one who does not recite Fatihatil-Kitab.
لا صلاة لمن لم يقرأ بفاتحة الكتابAnd his saying (peace and blessings be upon him) in the other narration:
Perhaps you recite behind the Imam
لعلكم تقرؤون خلف الإمامDo not do so except when it is Fatihat al-Kitab, for he who does not recite it is not credited with having prayed.
لا تفعلوا إلا بفاتحة الكتاب، فإنه لا صلاة لمن لم يقرأ بها
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.