When the Imam forgets two Ayahs of Surah Al-Fatihah

Q: While the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) was leading the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, he forgot to recite two Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) from Surah Al-Fatihah. The Ma’mums (persons being led by an Imam in Prayer) were sure that he had not recited them, but they did not correct him until after they had concluded the Salah (Prayer). When the Imam said the Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer), they told him that he had missed the two Ayahs. He agreed with what they had said and added that he felt that he had finished reciting Surah Al-Fatihah too quickly, but he said that if he had made a mistake, one of the Ma’mums would have drawn his attention to it. What is the ruling on this Salah?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, then you should all repeat the Salah, because a Salah is not correct without the recitation of the whole of Surah Al-Fatihah and you did not do that. It was obligatory on the Imam, when he became sure that he had missed some Ayahs from Surah Al-Fatihah, to stand up at once and offer another Rak‘ah (unit of Prayer), recite the last Tashahhud (a recitation in the sitting position in the second/last unit of Prayer), perform Sujud-ul-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness), and then say the Taslim. (Part No. 6; Page No. 39) If he did not do that and there was a long gap between saying the Taslim and offering another Rak‘ah, then you should all repeat the Salah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.