If a Ma''mum (a person being led

Q 4: A man was leading people in Jahri Salah (Prayer recited out loud), but did not recite Surah Al-Fatihah out loud. Some of the Ma'mum (those being led by an Imam in Prayer) reminded him by reciting the Surah out loud, but he still did not do so, and performed the Ruku` (bowing) without having recited Surah Al-Fatihah out loud. He then performed the second Rak`ah, reciting Al-Fatihah out loud. Is the Rak`ah mentioned sufficient for him or not?

A: The Rak`ah in which the Imam did not recite Al-Fatihah out loud is sufficient and Salah is valid, because the Imam may have forgotten to recite it out loud and he may have not heard those who reminded him or heard their recitation. In all cases, the Salah is valid, because reciting out loud is an act of Sunnah, not obligatory. Sujud-ul-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness) is not binding on him, but if he performs it, that would be better.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.