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Fatwa CenterReciting Al-Faatihah behind an Imam in the Prayer
Question
Sheikh Nasiruddin al-Albani Rahimahullah says in his book "Prophet's Prayer Described" that one being led by Imam in loud prayers (i.e. raka'ah when Imam recites loudly) should not recite Al-Fatiha at all but it is must to be recited it in silent prayers (i.e. when Imam recites silently). But opinion of many other major Sheiyookh is that reciting Al-Fatiha is obligatory in every raka'ah whether Imam is reciting silently or loudly. I have read both the opinions and daleel of both opinions looks strong to me. I am not able to decide which one to follow. Please clear this issue for me...Insha'Allah. Also please tell me a general ruling that a person do, should who is not knowledgeable himself, in such a situation when he is unable to decide which daleel is stronger.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Favoring one Madh-hab (School of jurisprudence) over another is a relative matter. So, what some scholar thinks that it is more preponderant can be considered less preponderant according to others. As for this issue, we favor the opinion that says that reciting Al-Faatihah is a pillar (integral part of the Prayer) for the person praying behind an Imam regardless of whether the Prayer is silent (where one reads silently) or loudly (where the person reads loudly). Abu Dawood reported that the Prophet said: “Perhaps, you recite (some Quran in prayer) while standing behind your Imam. They (the companions) said: ‘yes’. The Prophet then said: “Don't do that except if what you are reciting is Al-Faatihah as there is no (valid) Prayer for the person who does not recite Al-Faatihah.”
As for deciding whether an opinion is more preponderant or less preponderant, then this is left to the scholars, who understand very well the different pieces of evidence. So, if the person is not that knowledgeable, he should ask the scholars and act accordingly.
Allah knows best.
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