Narration:
Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Does the one who raises his head before the Imam in prayer not fear that Allah may transform his appearance into that of a donkey?”
(Agreed upon – the wording is from Muslim)
✿ Key Points:
➊ Following the Imam is an Obligation:
It is obligatory to follow the Imam in prayer. Performing any action of the prayer before the Imam invites the wrath of Allah and is a grave matter.
➋ Severe Warning for Preceding the Imam:
A person who raises his head before the Imam may be transformed by Allah into a donkey – a severe punishment indicating the gravity of such actions.
➌ Unintentional Mistake is Excused:
If someone raises their head from prostration before the Imam unintentionally, there is no sin. However, constantly trying to stay ahead of the Imam deliberately is impermissible.
➍ Power of Allah in Altering Forms:
Allah, who created humans in their best form, has the power to transform appearances. This is exemplified in the past when He turned a group from the Children of Israel into apes and swine.
➎ Leading the Imam is Prohibited:
Beating the Imam in prayer is haram (prohibited). Even synchronizing with the Imam (i.e., moving exactly with him) is discouraged. True following implies trailing behind the Imam’s movements.
📚 Source:
This content is derived from the book Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ, translated by Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaznfar.
