The validity of the prayer if the Imam recites but the follower cannot hear him.

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If the Imam recites and the follower cannot hear him, the follower must recite. Imam Ahmad confirmed this ruling. When questioned regarding the verse: And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and be silent (Quran 7:204), Ahmad responded by asking what this verse commands listening to, implying it applies to situations where listening is possible.