Is recitation of the Qur'an obligatory or recommended for the follower (*Ma'mum*) when the Imam is reciting audibly?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the follower can hear the Imam's recitation, recitation by the follower is neither obligatory nor recommended according to our Imam (Ahmad), Al-Zuhri, Al-Thawri, Malik, Ibn Uyaynah, Ibn al-Mubarak, Ishaq, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (Hanafi jurists). This is also one of the two positions of Al-Shafi'i, supported by Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, 'Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, Abu Salama ibn 'Abd al-Rahman, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, and a group of the Salaf. This ruling is based on the Almighty's saying: "And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy" (Quran 7:204), and the Hadith where the Prophet, peace be upon him, rebuked those who recited aloud when he recited, saying: "What is with me that I am being disputed with concerning the Qur'an?" The consensus holds that this verse concerns the prayer.
Supporting text
The second opinion held by Al-Shafi'i, supported by Al-Layth, Al-Awza'i, Ibn 'Awn, Mak'hul, Abu Thawr, states that the follower must recite when the Imam recites audibly. This is based on the general statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Fatiha of the Book" (Muttafaq 'alayh).