What should a worshipper do if the Imam does not leave him enough time to recite Al-Fatiha, considering that Allah commanded listening and being attentive when the Quran is recited: "And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy" (7:204), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned that prayer is invalid without reciting Al-Fatiha? And what is the correct ruling on this issue?

Reciting Surat Al-Fatiha is a pillar of prayer for the Imam, the congregant, and the individual praying alone. The slight pause after Al-Fatiha is not for the congregant to recite, but rather to differentiate between Al-Fatiha and the next surah. The congregant recites Al-Fatiha even if the Imam is reciting another surah, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Do not do so, except with the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatiha), for there is no prayer for one who does not recite it." This applies even to the audible Fajr prayer. The verse "And when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention" is general, but it is specifically exempted for Al-Fatiha. Thus, one must listen attentively except when Al-Fatiha is being recited.