Ruling on a Follower (Muqtadī) Saying Salām Before the Imām
Question:If a muqtadī (follower) accidentally says Salām before the imām, what should he do in this situation?
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh❖ Clarification of the Issue:
The ruling depends on whether the action was intentional or accidental. The explanation is as follows:
❶ If the Muqtadī Says Salām
◈ If the follower deliberately says Salām before the imām, then his prayer becomes invalid.
◈ In this case, he must repeat the entire prayer from the beginning.
❷ If the Muqtadī Says Salām
◈ If he forgets and unintentionally says Salām before the imām, then:
✔ He should immediately rejoin the prayer with the intention of continuing the ṣalāh.
✔ Then, when the imām concludes with Salām, the follower may also do so.
Prayer Validity:
◈ If it was a mistake, and the follower rejoins the imām, then:
✔ His prayer will remain valid.
✔ No penalty or expiation (kaffārah) is required.
◈ This is also the fatwā of Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله, affirming the same verdict.
Conclusion:
✔ If done intentionally, the prayer becomes invalid and must be repeated.
✔ If done by mistake, the follower should rejoin the prayer immediately, and his ṣalāh will be valid upon completing it with the imām.
