Some Questions on Wudhu [ablution] and Sala'h I have a few questions, the first of which is rather sensitive. If I had wudu and then break wind, do I need to wash my backside first or do I simply perform another wudu ? Secondly, in the first rakat of prayers, bismillah is recited before reciting Surah Al- Fatihah . In second and subsequent rakats , is it necessary to recite bismillah again before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah ? Certainly at the mosque, the Imam does not seem to recite it verbally and I cannot see how he can do it quietly because he doesn't allow sufficient time? Lastly, during the prayers when Surah Al-Fatihah is recited audibly, do I listen to the Imam or do I quietly recite it with him? Thank You Reply Short answers to your queries follow:: After passing of wind, you only need to do ablution, nothing else is required. One may recite " Bismillah " at the beginning of Surah Al-Fatihah in every rakat, and also at the beginning of the verses recited after Surah Al-Fatihah , but doing so is not obligatory. If Surah Al-Fatihah is being recited audibly, in a jama`at (congregational prayer) one should silently listen to it, for why else is the Imam reciting it loudly, if the followers are supposed to make their own recitations and not listen to it? But in rakats where the Imam is reciting Surah Al-Fatihah silently, one may also recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently. I hope this helps. In case any aspect remains unclear, please feel free in writing back to me at your convenience. May Allah grant us all true understanding of His guidance. Regards The Learner