Question:
Assalamu alaikum.
Is it required for us to recite Surah Fatiha and other surah when performing as-salat behind imam? Can we recite subhana rabial aala in sujood as many times as we can or is there any limit?
Answer:
Qur’an states: {When the Qur’an is being recited then Listen attentively and remain silent so that mercy will be showered upon you.} (7:204)
Imam Ibn Kathir r.a. narrates from Abu Musa al-Ash`ari (r), Abu Hurairah (r) and Ibn Masud (r) that this an ayah was revealed about “remaining silent when the imam recites”. Imam Ibn Kathir also said: Imam Abu Hanifa (rah) and Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal (rah) say that Qira’at is not obligatory for Muqtadi whether in silent or loud prayer because it has come in hadith that whosoever has an Imam then his recitation is your recitation. This hadith is narrated by Imam Malik.
As far as reciting Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la in sajdah of a regular prayer, we learn that it should be recited thrice, five times or seven times.
Shaykh Senad Agic
