Is reciting Al-Fatiha obligatory in every Rak'ah of the prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in every Rak'ah of the prayer is obligatory. This is the position held by Malik, Al-Awza'i, and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence for this obligation is the narration from Abu Qatadah that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to recite Umm Al-Kitab (Al-Fatiha) in the first two Rak'ahs of Dhuhr, reciting it in the last two as well. Furthermore, the command, "Pray as you have seen me praying," applies to all parts of the prayer. Another supporting narration from Abu Sa'id states, "There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Fatihat al-Kitab in every Rak'ah." Similarly, it is narrated from 'Ubadah that the Messenger of Allah commanded them to recite the Fatihat al-Kitab in every Rak'ah. Additionally, the Prophet taught the one who prayed badly how to pray the first Rak'ah and then said, "Do that in all your prayer," which includes the command to recite.
Supporting text
A view attributed to Ahmad states that Al-Fatiha is only obligatory in two Rak'ahs of the prayer. A similar position is held by Al-Nakha'i, Al-Thawri, and Abu Hanifa, supported by the narration from 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, who said, "Recite in the first two [Rak'ahs] and glorify [Allah] in the last two." An opinion from Al-Hasan states that reciting it in a single Rak'ah suffices, based on the verse, {So read what is easy for you of the Quran} (Quran 73:20). Malik also held that reciting it in three Rak'ahs suffices because it constitutes the majority of the prayer.