Omitting Surah Faatihah in the third or fourth rakaat

Q:

1. During the fardh salaah of Zohr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha, can the imam omit Surah Fatiha in the 3rd/4th rakat (when there is time constraints)? Stand for 3 subhanallahs before going in ruku.

2. Also, when one is performing Salah individually can one omit for the same reasons?

3. What is the status of Surah Fatiha in 3rd and 4th rakaat? i.e. Fardh, wajib, mustahab etc.

4. Is there any hadeeth to support?

A.

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

3. It is sunnat.

4. All the masaa'il are supported by the hadeeth.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)