Turning of the Imam After Salah – Sunnah Method
Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
Should the Imam turn towards the congregation immediately after completing Salah, or should he wait for some time?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
At the conclusion of Salah, the preferable and Sunnah method for the Imam is not to turn towards the congregation immediately, but to remain facing the Qiblah for a short while. During this time, he should recite the following:
◈ Say three times: "اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ"
◈ Say once:
«اَللّٰهُمَّ اَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْکَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَکْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْاِکْرَامِ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, al-Masājid, Bāb Istiḥbāb al-Dhikr ba‘d al-Ṣalāh… Ḥadīth: 591)
Translation:
“O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honour.”
After reciting these adhkār, the Imam may then turn to face the congregation.
If by standing up immediately the Imam would have to step over the necks of the worshippers or cause them inconvenience, he should remain seated until the pathway is clear. However, if the way is open and no one would be disturbed, there is no harm in standing up.
The congregation should not rise before the Imam. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لا تسبقوني بِالِانْصِرَافِ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, al-Ṣalāh, Bāb Taḥrīm Sabaq al-Imām… Ḥadīth: 426)
Translation:
“O people! I am your Imam, so do not precede me in bowing, prostrating, standing, or concluding the prayer.”
However, if the Imam remains facing the Qiblah for a longer Sunnah duration, the congregation is permitted to leave before him.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
❖ Question
Should the Imam turn towards the congregation immediately after completing Salah, or should he wait for some time?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
At the conclusion of Salah, the preferable and Sunnah method for the Imam is not to turn towards the congregation immediately, but to remain facing the Qiblah for a short while. During this time, he should recite the following:
◈ Say three times: "اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ"
◈ Say once:
«اَللّٰهُمَّ اَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْکَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَکْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْاِکْرَامِ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, al-Masājid, Bāb Istiḥbāb al-Dhikr ba‘d al-Ṣalāh… Ḥadīth: 591)
Translation:
“O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honour.”
After reciting these adhkār, the Imam may then turn to face the congregation.
Special Instruction for the Imam:
If by standing up immediately the Imam would have to step over the necks of the worshippers or cause them inconvenience, he should remain seated until the pathway is clear. However, if the way is open and no one would be disturbed, there is no harm in standing up.
Guidance for the Congregation:
The congregation should not rise before the Imam. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لا تسبقوني بِالِانْصِرَافِ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, al-Ṣalāh, Bāb Taḥrīm Sabaq al-Imām… Ḥadīth: 426)
Translation:
“O people! I am your Imam, so do not precede me in bowing, prostrating, standing, or concluding the prayer.”
However, if the Imam remains facing the Qiblah for a longer Sunnah duration, the congregation is permitted to leave before him.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
