The prayer of the one who did not recite the Opening of the Book (Surat al-Fātihah) is invalid

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified that the prayer is invalid without reciting Surat al-Fātihah, which is one of the pillars of prayer in every Rak‘ah (unit of prayer).

Lessons

• Reciting any Surah instead of Surat al-Fātihah, despite the ability to recite it, is insufficient.
• The Rak‘ah in which Surat al-Fātihah is not recited, whether intentionally, ignorantly, or forgetfully, is invalid because it is a pillar and pillars never cease to be due.
• The one led in prayer is exempted from reciting Surat al-Fātihah if he catches up with the prayer while the Imam is in the state of bowing.