The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Say Amin" when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to Say "Amin."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Say Amin when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to Say 'Amin.'"
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 780
Significance of Saying "Amin"
This hadith establishes the communal nature of prayer, where the congregation follows the Imam's lead. The word "Amin" means "O Allah, accept our prayer" and serves as a seal upon the supplication made during the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
The Prophet's instruction to say "Amin" simultaneously with the Imam creates spiritual unity and collective devotion, amplifying the congregation's plea for divine acceptance.
Divine Forgiveness Through Angelic Concurrence
The extraordinary promise of forgiveness for past sins demonstrates the immense spiritual value of this practice. When a worshipper's "Amin" coincides with that of the angels, it creates a moment of celestial harmony where earthly and heavenly realms unite in supplication.
Scholars explain that this synchronization represents a state of spiritual presence (hudur al-qalb) where the heart is fully attentive to Allah, making the supplication particularly potent and worthy of divine acceptance and forgiveness.
Prophetic Practice & Legal Ruling
The additional narration that "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to Say 'Amin'" confirms this as an established sunnah (prophetic tradition) and not merely a recommendation. This transforms the practice from being merely virtuous to being an integral part of the prayer's perfection.
Islamic jurists have ruled that saying "Amin" aloud in congregational prayers is strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah) for both the Imam and congregation, following the clear example of the Prophet (ﷺ).