Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 7345 — Those who said: follow the imam

Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: One day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer. When he finished the prayer, he turned his blessed face towards us and said: "O people! I am your imam, so do not go ahead of me in bowing, prostration, standing or the salam, for I see you in front of me and behind me."