Q: If I don’t know al-Fatiha, what should I do?





A: It is obligatory to delay the prayer (without being late) in order to learn al-Fatihah, which is a pillar of the prayer, and any other obligatory dhikr.





Because you are busy preparing to fulfill the basic requirements and obligations of the prayer, like purification etc., and not delaying it out of laziness or neglect, you will be rewarded for it as if you hastened to pray it at its earliest time.





Source: Sharh al-Muntaha