Etiquettes Regarding the Imam's Direction and Worshippers After Salah
Question:
After the congregational prayer, the Imam turns to face the congregation, while some worshippers immediately stand to offer Sunnah prayers. Is it appropriate for the Imam to turn toward the congregation, and is it correct for the worshippers to pray while facing the Imam?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
After the prayer, it was the common practice of the Noble Prophet ﷺ to turn his blessed face toward the people.
At times, he would turn to the right side and at other times to the left side.
If the worshippers wish to perform Sunnah prayers, it is preferable for them to change their place, as it is Sunnah to pray Sunnah rak‘āt at a different location.
If a worshipper has already made the intention for prayer, his Salah will be valid. However, according to the jurists and predecessors, praying while facing someone directly in front (such as the Imam) is not free from dislikedness (karāhah).
During Salah, the presence of someone directly in front might distract attention, reducing one’s humility and devotion (khushū‘ and khuḍū‘).
Additionally, if there is a friendly or informal relationship with the Imam, accidental eye contact or smiling could occur, which contradicts the etiquette of Salah.
The early scholars and pious predecessors preferred that the person in front turns his back to the worshipper, so that the worshipper may consider that back as a sutrah (barrier).
This method helps in maintaining focus and reverence during Salah and reduces chances of distraction.
والله أعلم
Question:
After the congregational prayer, the Imam turns to face the congregation, while some worshippers immediately stand to offer Sunnah prayers. Is it appropriate for the Imam to turn toward the congregation, and is it correct for the worshippers to pray while facing the Imam?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Practice of the Prophet ﷺ After Salah
After the prayer, it was the common practice of the Noble Prophet ﷺ to turn his blessed face toward the people.
At times, he would turn to the right side and at other times to the left side.
① Guidance for Worshippers Behind the Imam:
If the worshippers wish to perform Sunnah prayers, it is preferable for them to change their place, as it is Sunnah to pray Sunnah rak‘āt at a different location.
If a worshipper has already made the intention for prayer, his Salah will be valid. However, according to the jurists and predecessors, praying while facing someone directly in front (such as the Imam) is not free from dislikedness (karāhah).
② Reason for Dislikedness (Karāhah):
During Salah, the presence of someone directly in front might distract attention, reducing one’s humility and devotion (khushū‘ and khuḍū‘).
Additionally, if there is a friendly or informal relationship with the Imam, accidental eye contact or smiling could occur, which contradicts the etiquette of Salah.
③ Opinion of the Pious Predecessors (Aslāf):
The early scholars and pious predecessors preferred that the person in front turns his back to the worshipper, so that the worshipper may consider that back as a sutrah (barrier).
This method helps in maintaining focus and reverence during Salah and reduces chances of distraction.
والله أعلم
