4481
8
27 / 04 / 2026
The Ruling on Forgetting Surah Al-Fatiha in Prayer or a Letter from It
The scholars said that forgetting Surah Al-Fatiha necessitates repeating the unit of prayer, and you say that it necessitates prostration for forgetfulness, and the one who does it intentionally is sinful, but their prayer is valid. Forgetting a letter from it requires them to repeat its recitation. Please clarify these matters?
Answer
I say, and with God's guidance: Reciting Al-Fatiha is obligatory, and neglecting an obligation leads to forgetfulness, not invalidation. The essential part is reciting a verse from the Quran, as in His saying: {So recite what is easy from it} [Al-Muzzammil:20], and as in the Hadith of the one who prayed poorly. And God knows best.
