Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Say Amen when the Imam says 'Ghairi l-maghdubi `alaihim wala d-daalleen' (not the path of those who earn Your Anger (such as Jews) nor of those who go astray (such as Christians)); all the past sins of the person whose saying (of Amin) coincides with that of the angels, will be forgiven".
Hadith Commentary: The Virtue of Saying 'Amin'
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book: Call to Prayers, Hadith: 782) reveals profound wisdom regarding the congregational prayer and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah.
Timing and Significance
The Prophet (ﷺ) instructs us to say "Amin" immediately after the Imam completes the verse "Ghairi l-maghdubi `alaihim wala d-daalleen." This timing is crucial as it represents a collective supplication where the congregation seeks Allah's acceptance.
The word "Amin" means "O Allah, accept our supplication" - it is a seal of confirmation upon the prayer recited in al-Fatihah, where we ask for guidance to the straight path.
Angelic Concurrence
The extraordinary promise of forgiveness for past sins is granted to those whose "Amin" coincides with that of the angels. Scholars explain this refers to both temporal coincidence (saying it at the proper time) and spiritual alignment (saying it with presence of heart and sincerity).
This divine synchronization between the earthly and heavenly realms demonstrates the profound connection between the worshipper's invocation and the celestial world.
Exegesis of the Verse
"Ghairi l-maghdubi `alaihim" refers to those who knew the truth but willfully opposed it - exemplified by the Jews who rejected Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) despite their scriptural knowledge.
"Wala d-daalleen" refers to those who strayed from truth through ignorance or misguidance - exemplified by Christians who exaggerated in their religion beyond proper bounds.
By saying "Amin" after this verse, we affirm our desire to avoid both these extremes and remain firmly upon the straight path of Islam.
Legal Ruling and Practice
Scholars unanimously agree that saying "Amin" after al-Fatihah in prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (emphasized tradition). It should be said aloud in prayers where recitation is audible and silently otherwise.
This practice connects every prayer with the primordial covenant and the continuous celestial worship, reminding the believer of their place in the cosmic order of devotion to Allah.