What is the ruling if a reciter prays behind someone whose recitation status is unknown during a silent prayer?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If a reciter prays behind someone whose recitation status is unknown during a silent prayer, his prayer is valid because the assumption is that only one who knows the recitation would lead, and this assumption has not been contradicted as the Imam recited silently in a silent prayer.
Supporting text
If the unknown Imam leads an audible prayer silently, there are two views. The first, mentioned by Al-Qadi, invalidates the reciter's prayer because the assumption is that if he knew the recitation, he would have recited loudly. The second view validates the prayer because the assumption is that only one who knows recitation leads, and his silence could be due to forgetfulness, ignorance, or only knowing Al-Fatiha, meaning the prayer is not invalidated by mere possibility. If the Imam states after the prayer that he recited during the silent prayer, the prayer is valid according to both views, based on affirming the assumption. However, repeating the prayer is recommended to guard against the possibility of falsehood. If one leads silently in a silent prayer and then states he did not recite Al-Fatiha, both he and those behind him must repeat the prayer, as narrated from Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.