Authentic Hadith Evidence
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to instruct us and would say:
“Do not precede the Imam. When he says Allahu Akbar, then you should also say Allahu Akbar.”
(Sahih Muslim: 415)
Another narration from Mus‘ab bin Muhammad in Abu Dawud:
“The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar. Do not say it until he does. When he bows, then bow. Do not bow until he does. When he prostrates, then prostrate. Do not prostrate until he does.”
Mus‘ab bin Muhammad is a reliable (thiqah) narrator.
Source and Grading:
- Musnad Ahmad: 2/341
- Sunan Abi Dawud: 603
- This hadith is authentic (ṣaḥīḥ).
Key Points and Benefits
➊ Following the Imam is a religious obligation.➋ The purpose of appointing an Imam is for people to follow his actions precisely—saying the takbeer (Allahu Akbar) after he does, bowing after he bows, and prostrating after he prostrates.
➌ The Imam holds a significant position in Islam, and it is mandatory to respect and follow him in all matters aligned with the teachings of Islam.
Note:
This content is adapted from the book "Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Imām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām" by Shaykh Taqiyy ad-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.
