Question

Is this Hadith authentically narrated?

عن يزيد بن شريك، أنه سأل عمر عن القراءة خلف الإمام، فقال: اقرأ بفاتحة الكتاب، قلت: وإن كنت أنت؟ قال: وإن كنت أنا، قلت: وإن جهرت؟ قال: وإن جهرت

Yazid ibn Sharik once asked ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) about reciting behind the Imam. He (radiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “You recite Surah Fatihah.” I said, ‘If you are the Imam?’ He said, ‘Though I am the Imam.’ I said again, if you recite the Quran aloud? He said, “Although I recite the Quran aloud.”

Answer

Imams Daraqutni, Hakim and Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah) have recorded this narration of Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sunan Daraqutni, Hadith: 1210 and 1211, Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 239, As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 2, pg. 167)

Imam Daraqutni (rahimahullah) has declared both chains reliable (رواته كلهم ثقات & اسناد صحيح). Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has also authenticated the narration and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs.

Note: I have merely answered your question regarding the narration. Those Mujtahidun and Fuqaha who were of the opinion that a muqtadi should not recite behind the Imam have presented other proofs too. This should therefore not be viewed as a fatwa. Kindly consult a Mufti/Darul Ifta for a Fiqh ruling.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar