Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) rode a horse and fell down and the right side of his body was injured. On that day he prayed one of the prayers sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the prayer with Taslim, he said, "The Imam is to be followed and if he prays standing then pray standing, and bow when he bows, and raise your heads when he raises his head; prostrate when he prostrates; and if he says "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah", you should say, "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd.:
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 732
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) rode a horse and fell down and the right side of his body was injured. On that day he prayed one of the prayers sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the prayer with Taslim, he said, "The Imam is to be followed and if he prays standing then pray standing, and bow when he bows, and raise your heads when he raises his head; prostrate when he prostrates; and if he says "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah", you should say, "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd."
Commentary on the Circumstance
This narration demonstrates the Prophet's practical application of prayer concessions during physical incapacity. When injured from falling from his horse, he prayed sitting due to his condition, establishing that necessity permits modification of prayer postures. The Companions followed his lead, showing the principle of following the Imam's actions.
Principle of Following the Imam
The Prophet explicitly stated "The Imam is to be followed," establishing this as a fundamental rule in congregational prayer. This means the congregation must synchronize their movements with the Imam, not precede him or delay significantly behind him. The harmony of the congregation reflects spiritual unity.
Detailed Synchronization
The Prophet specified exact correspondence in standing, bowing (ruku'), rising from bowing, and prostrating (sujood). This precise timing ensures the prayer remains unified and valid. The congregation should not anticipate the Imam's movements nor lag considerably behind them.
Response to the Imam's Takbeer
When the Imam says "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), the congregation responds with "Rabbana wa laka al-hamd" (Our Lord, to You is all praise). This exchange occurs during the transition from bowing to standing position and represents the congregation's affirmation of the Imam's declaration.
Legal Implications
Scholars derive from this hadith that congregational prayer requires following the Imam in all physical movements. If the Imam prays sitting due to valid excuse, the congregation may also pray sitting even if they are able to stand. This reflects the flexibility and compassion within Islamic worship while maintaining proper structure.