Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … For asking, seeking refuge, and declaring tasbih, any words may be used. "Tanzih" and "tasbih" are synonymous words; their meaning is: to declare Allah, the Exalted, free from every kind of defect and imperfection, such as reciting {سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّکَ الْاَعْلٰی} and saying "Subhan Allah." Taking a lesson from this hadith, those people should examine their own conduct who have not the slightest knowledge of the meaning of the Noble Qur’an, nor any awareness of what they are reciting. The imam and the individual praying alone should recite the relevant verses on these topics and respond accordingly. There is a difference of opinion regarding the follower (muqtadi); our view is that the follower should remain silent, because the follower has been commanded to remain silent during the audible recitation of the imam, and he may only speak in light of a specific evidence, for example: reciting Surah al-Fatihah, saying "Ameen," or prompting the imam. However, in a silent (sirri) prayer, when the follower himself is reciting, then upon reciting such verses, he will respond with the appropriate words according to their requirement. And Allah knows best what is correct.