Hadith Reference
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:"Indeed, the Imam is appointed so that he may be followed. When he says Allahu Akbar, you should also say Allahu Akbar. When he bows in Ruku‘, you should also bow. When he says Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah, you should say Rabbana wa lakal hamd. When he prostrates, you should also prostrate. If he performs the prayer while sitting, then all of you should also pray while sitting."
[Sahih al-Bukhari 734, Sahih Muslim 417]
Key Lessons from This Hadith
- This Hadith establishes that appointing an Imam in mosques is a legitimate and Islamically sanctioned practice.
- The primary purpose of the Imam is to be followed in Salah.
- When the Imam says Allahu Akbar, the followers (Muqtadis) should say it after him.
- When the Imam moves into Ruku‘ or Sujood, the Muqtadis should follow after him, not before him.
- It is incorrect to either precede the Imam in movements or delay excessively.
- Racing ahead of the Imam (Musabaqat) is completely prohibited.
- Exact synchronization (Muwafaqat) (i.e., doing actions at the same time as the Imam) is discouraged but not sinful if it happens occasionally.
- The correct practice (Mutaba‘at) is to follow the Imam slightly after he performs each action.
- If the Imam is unable to stand and prays while sitting, the Muqtadis should also perform the prayer while sitting.
- This rule ensures unity in the congregation and aligns with the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ).
- The followers are not obligated to repeat every silent supplication made by the Imam.
- In Ruku‘ and Sujood, the Muqtadis can recite their own supplications.
- However, in audible (Jahri) prayers, Muqtadis should:
- Listen silently to the Qur’anic recitation of the Imam.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha behind the Imam.
- Say ‘Ameen’ after the Imam says it.
- Perform Ruku‘, Sujood, and other actions immediately after the Imam.
- Follow the Imam in Qunoot Nazilah and Sajdah Sahw.
- End the Salah with Salam only after the Imam completes it.
Conclusion
- Appointing an Imam in a mosque is a well-established Sunnah and aligns with the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).
- The Imam is meant to be followed, and Salah should be performed in sync with him.
- Preceding the Imam in actions is incorrect, and deliberate delays are also discouraged.
- Congregational unity in prayer is essential, and followers should align their actions with the visible and audible cues of the Imam.
