Source: Fatawa of Ahl-e-Hadith Scholars, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1, Page 246
Reference: Ahl-e-Hadith Sohadra, Volume 4, Issue 29
❖ Question:
If the Imam does not arrive at the prayer place for two or three minutes, is it permissible to say the Takbir?❖ Answer:
Saying the Takbir is dependent on the arrival or permission of the Imam. It is not permissible to say the Takbir without the Imam's consent. Therefore, it is essential that the Imam himself or a responsible individual gives permission before the Takbir is pronounced.