Is a pause (saktah) recommended for the Imam after finishing Al-Fatiha?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended for the Imam to observe a brief silence immediately after finishing Al-Fatiha so that he may rest and the followers can recite Al-Fatiha without their recitation overlapping or conflicting with his. This is the view of Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq. Evidence includes narrations from Al-Samurah, who memorized two pauses from the Prophet: one upon making the initial Takbir, and one after finishing the recitation of {nor of those who go astray}. Reports from scholars like Abu Salamah ibn 'Abd al-Rahman and 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr confirm the custom of seizing these two moments for reciting Al-Fatiha.
Supporting text
Malik and the People of Opinion disliked this pause.