Saying ‘ameen’ at the end of Fatiha

[Saqib saheb]

AsSalam Aleykum Muslin Villa. 
I always hear the imam in jamaat prayers say ‘ameen’ very loudly and dragging the word making it lengthy.  Does this practice have any significance in the Quran?   Can you also give the definition of ‘ameen’ what does it mean?

[N. Truth Seeker]

Walaykom As-Salam.   The word Ameen means: ‘O Allah, accept our prayer or supplication.’   

The traditionalists consider it “sunnah” to mention ameen loudly at the end of reciting Fatiha whether you are praying alone or with jamaah.   Considering the definition of the term ameen, it’s a good practice to say it but it has no significance in the Noble Quran and it is not a part of  Surah Fatiha.  It comes entirely from the hadith stories which are not reliable at all, as usual.
 
Uttering ‘ameen’ loud after reciting Surah Fatiha comes from the following ahadith:

1)  Prophet Muhammad pbuh once heard a person making an intense supplication; and he said, “He would elicit an answer from Allah, if he seals it off” ‘When asked, how does he seal it off; he replied, ‘by saying Ameen before closing it.” (Abu Dawud).

2) There are also traditional gossips that Jibreel taught the Prophet to say Ameen after reading Al-Fatihah.

3)  Another hadith: The Prophet said, “If the imam says ghayr al-maghdhoobi alayhim wala al-daalleen, you should say,  Ameen. The angels will say Ameen; and the imam also says Ameen.  If one’s Ameen coincides with the ‘Ameen‘ of the angels, his past sins will be forgiven.” (An-Nasa’i and others).


These above ahadith have no authenticity. 

Moreover, it should be kept in mind that the Christians too say “amen’ which is the same as ‘ameen’, that is, imploring Allah to grant one's prayer.  Therefore it is also possible that the culture of uttering ‘ameen’ was picked up from the Christians by the hadith.

[Saqib saheb]

Jazek'Allah khare.  Thanks for your helpful reply. 

As I also asked, they not only say ameen loud but also drag it while mentioning to make it long.  why do they do this it confuses me?

[N. Truth Seeker]

..
As I also asked, they not only say ameen loud but also drag it while mentioning to make it long.  why do they do this it confuses me?

Actually it is not 'ameen' which is recited in a deeper and elongated tone, it is the last word of the last Verse (7th Verse) of Surah Fatiha which is recited in this manner.  As we know, this word in Arabic is  "wala al-daleen" (asking Allah not to make us among those who go astray).  While I cannot confirm the reason why our jurists recite it in that manner, I think it is a highlight on the importance of this Verse to prevent us from going astray.  I don't see any other reason for it. 

In regard to 'ameen' I reiterate that to implore or beg Allah to accept our recitation of Fatiha is a very good practice as I already said.  But whether you say it aloud or silently or within your heart makes no difference.  Allah Almighty can hear you regardless of how you say it. 

[Saqib saheb]

Many thanks again for your help.  i appreciate.

[N. Truth Seeker]

You're welcome.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

..
As I also asked, they not only say ameen loud but also drag it while mentioning to make it long.  why do they do this it confuses me?

Yes brother is right, it is the last word of the last Verse of Surah Fatiha which is recited more deeply and thus lengthened.  This is not from the hadith.  I suppose it became a method of recitation based on discernment of the meaning of this Verse.   Surah Fatiha is one of the most comprehensive Quranic duas.  Highlighting the last Verse basically indicates the importance of the entire Surah, and the louder and lengthier recitation of the last word stands for seeking refuge in Allah from emulating the behavior of those who earn the anger of Allah and of those who go astray.   

As for mentioning 'ameen' is certainly a good spiritual etiquette as brother already stated, not because of the hadith stories, but because pleading before The Almighty to accept our supplication is a humble practice of a believer.

[N. Truth Seeker]

JazekAllah khair Sister Heba.  That was very good additional articulation.   Alhumdulilah.

[Saqib Saheb]

Very thoughtful and sensible input Heba Heseyn.  Thanks Muslim Villa.