Surah Al-Fatihah is a dialogue between the abd (slave) and his Lord; it’s a conversation between you and Allah the Most High. There is a beautiful, thoughtful sunnah to revive to value this beautiful interaction!

It is recommended for the one who prays to pause after each ayah when reciting Surah Al-Fatihah whether he or she is praying indivudally or in congegration, because it’s a sunnah act.

When Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the recitation of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), she said: He used to pause after each verse: {Bismillaah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem} {Alhamdu lil-laahi Rabbil-‘Aalameen} {Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem} {Maaliki Yawmid-Deen}.” [Ahmad and Abu Daawood]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Allah the Exalted said: ‘I have divided the prayer (Surah Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Me and My servant. A half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.  If he says, “All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence,” Allah says, “My servant has praised Me.” When the servant says, “The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” Allah says, “My servant has glorified Me.”When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment.”Allah says, “My servant has glorified Me.” When he says, “You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.” Allah says, “This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.” When he says, “Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray.” Allah says, “This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.”‘ [Muslim, An-Nasaa’i]

When it comes to reading Surah Al-Fatihah while praying in congegration, the Fatwa of The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fataawa reads: It is obligatory on the one led (in prayer) to recite Al-Fatihah – whether he recites it at the same time the Imaam recites Al-Fatihah in the loud prayers, or while the Imaam is reciting a Surah after Al-Fatihah, or during the Imaam’s pause after reciting Al-Fatihah if he pauses. This is optional. It is better, though, to recite it during the Imaam’s pause after finishing the recitation of Al-Fatihah, if he paused, so as to reconcile between the differing evidence concerning this.

• Next time you recite Surah Al-Fatihah in prayer pause after each ayah.
• Take this break as a moment of reflection on the fact that Allah the Most High answers each ayah.
• Teach others this habit, inshaa’Allah!