The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Imam is (appointed) to be followed. So do not differ from him, bow when he bows, and say, "Rabbana-lakal hamd" if he says "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah"; and if he prostrates, prostrate (after him), and if he prays sitting, pray sitting all together, and straighten the rows for the prayer, as the straightening of the rows is amongst those things which make your prayer a correct and perfect one. (See Hadith No. 657).
Hadith Text & Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Imam is (appointed) to be followed. So do not differ from him, bow when he bows, and say, 'Rabbana-lakal hamd' if he says 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah'; and if he prostrates, prostrate (after him), and if he prays sitting, pray sitting all together, and straighten the rows for the prayer, as the straightening of the rows is amongst those things which make your prayer a correct and perfect one."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 722
The Role of the Imam
The Imam is appointed as a leader in prayer to be followed, not to be preceded or contradicted. His movements dictate the congregation's actions, ensuring unity and order in worship. This leadership is a trust from Allah, and following him is an act of obedience to divine command.
Following the Imam's Actions
"Bow when he bows" - The congregation must not rush ahead of the Imam in rukū' (bowing) or any other prayer position. Following precisely maintains the collective spirit of prayer.
"If he prostrates, prostrate after him" - Emphasizes sequential following rather than simultaneous action, preserving the Imam's leadership role throughout the prayer.
Responding to the Imam's Recitation
When the Imam says "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), the congregation responds with "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, to You is all praise). This demonstrates the beautiful dialogue between leader and followers in worship.
Adapting to the Imam's Condition
"If he prays sitting, pray sitting all together" - If the Imam is unable to stand due to valid excuse, the entire congregation prays sitting behind him. This maintains unity and demonstrates collective submission to circumstances.
Importance of Straight Rows
Straightening rows is essential for prayer perfection. It reflects spiritual unity, discipline, and the angels' arrangement in worship. Crooked rows diminish the prayer's spiritual beauty and collective harmony.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes fundamental principles of congregational prayer: complete submission to the Imam's leadership, maintaining proper sequence in movements, and perfecting external formation through straight rows.
Al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that differing from the Imam in prayer movements invalidates the prayer if done intentionally, as it contradicts the essential requirement of following the appointed leader.