It is narrated from Nafi‘ that when someone would ask Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) whether Surah Al-Fatihah should be recited behind the Imam, he would reply: When any of you prays behind the Imam, the recitation of the Imam is sufficient for him, and if he prays alone, then he should recite. Nafi‘ said: And Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) would not recite behind the Imam.

Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) said: According to us, the ruling is that in audible prayers, one should not recite Surah Al-Fatihah behind the Imam, and in silent prayers, one should recite.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) finished a loud (jahr) prayer and then said: "Did any of you recite the Word of Allah with me?" A man spoke up and said, "Yes, I did, O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)." The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "That is why I was thinking in my heart, what is happening to me that the Word of Allah is being taken away from me." Ibn Shihab or Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: After that, people stopped reciting (Qira'at) behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in loud prayers, after they heard this hadith from him (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).