If the One Who is led in Prayer forgets to recite Al-Fatihah

Question:

If the Iqamah for prayer was called, and during the prayer, I forgot to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in one or two Rakahs while I was being led in prayer, is my prayer correct or not? And is it essential for me to recite the Opening of the Book or not? And what should I do in this situation?

Answer:

If the one who is led in prayer forgets to recite Al-Fatiahah or is ignorant of its obligation, or the he joins the prayer while the Imam is bowing, then in these circumstances, the Rakah will be credited to him, his prayer will be correct and he will not have to make up for the Rakah because he is excused, due to ignorance, forgetfulness or not having caught the standing (prior to bowing) and that is the view of the majority of the scholars. This is based on what Al-Bukhari narrated in his Sahih, on the authority of Abu Bakrah Ath-Thaqafi, that he joined the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) in one of the prayers while he was bowing, and he bowed behind the row, then joined the row, and the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to him: May Allaah increased you in endeavour, but do not repeat it. And he did not order him to make up for it, simply ordering him not to bow outside the row. And Allaah is the Granter of success.

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