Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) fell from a horse and got injured so he led the prayer sitting and we also prayed sitting. When he completed the prayer he said, "The Imam is to be followed; if he says Takbir then say Takbir, bow if he bows; raise your heads when he raises his head, when he says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah say, 'Rabbana laka l-hamd', and prostrate when he prostrates."
Hadith Text & Context
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) fell from a horse and got injured so he led the prayer sitting and we also prayed sitting. When he completed the prayer he said, "The Imam is to be followed; if he says Takbir then say Takbir, bow if he bows; raise your heads when he raises his head, when he says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah say, 'Rabbana laka l-hamd', and prostrate when he prostrates."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 733
Scholarly Commentary
This blessed hadith establishes fundamental principles of congregational prayer. The Prophet's injury demonstrates that prayer remains obligatory even when one cannot perform it in the normal manner, with concessions granted according to capability.
The command "The Imam is to be followed" establishes the principle of ittiba' (following) in prayer. The congregation must synchronize their movements with the imam, not preceding him nor delaying significantly behind him. This preserves the unity and harmony of the prayer.
The detailed instructions - saying takbir when he says takbir, bowing when he bows - emphasize that the imam's actions dictate the congregation's actions. This includes the specific response to "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah" with "Rabbana laka l-hamd," showing that even verbal responses are timed with the imam's movements.
The incident also illustrates the flexibility of Islamic law, as the Prophet and companions prayed sitting due to injury, demonstrating that the essence of prayer is maintained even when physical conditions require adaptation of form.
Legal Rulings Derived
1. The obligation of following the imam in all prayer movements without advancement or delay.
2. The validity of leading prayer while sitting when necessary, with the congregation following in the same manner.
3. The specific response "Rabbana laka l-hamd" is to be said when the imam says "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah."
4. The permissibility and validity of praying in a sitting position when one has a legitimate excuse.
5. The imam's role as the guide whose actions determine the timing and form of the congregation's worship.