Q 6:
There are two pauses in Salah (Prayer). The first is for praising Allah after Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]" upon starting Prayer) and the second is at the end of the Fatihah. Is the second pause for the recitation of the Fatihah?
If the answer is in the negative, then when should a person recite Al-Fatihah? It should be noted that Allah says in the Qur'an:
So, when the Qur’ân is recited, listen to it, and be silent
A: The pause following Takbirat-ul-Ihram is not for the recitation of Al-Fatihah. (Part No. 6; Page No. 412) In fact, it is for recitation of Du`a'-ul-Istiftah (opening supplication when starting the Prayer). Also the pause preceding the Ruku` is not to allow the people behind the Imam to recite Al-Fatihah. It is meant to separate between the recitation of the Qur'an and Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]") before Ruku` (bowing). However, it is permissible for the Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer) to recite Al-Fatihah while the Imam recites Al-Fatihah or the Surah. According to the Hadiths, this is an exception from the saying of Allah:
So, when the Qur’ân is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.