“I once asked him (the Imam) (a.s.), about one who does not read al-Fatihah in his Salah (prayer). He (the Imam) said, ‘His Salah (prayer) is not valid. He must begin with it (al-Fatihah) that which is read aloud or quietly.’ I then asked, ‘Which one is more beloved to you: if one is afraid or in a hurry, is it reading a Surah (chapter) or al-Fatihah of al-Kitab?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘al-Fatihah of al-Kitab is more beloved.’” (Ahadith 20-28 are best explained in the form of fatwa.)