The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Imam is to be followed. Say the Takbir when he says it; bow if he bows; if he says 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah', say, ' Rabbana wa laka l-hamd', prostrate if he prostrates and pray sitting altogether if he prays sitting."
The Command to Follow the Imam
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle of congregational prayer: complete submission to the Imam's leadership. The Prophet (ﷺ) commands the followers to synchronize their movements and recitations precisely with the Imam, eliminating any delay or innovation.
Detailed Explanation of Actions
Takbir: The follower must utter "Allahu Akbar" simultaneously with the Imam at the commencement of prayer and subsequent transitions.
Rukū' (Bowing): One must bow immediately when the Imam bows, maintaining this posture until he rises.
Tasmi' and Tahmid: When the Imam says "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him), the follower responds with "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd" (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
Sujūd (Prostration): Prostration must follow the Imam's prostration without delay.
Sitting Position: In prayers where the Imam sits, all followers must pray entirely in sitting position, demonstrating complete conformity.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains this establishes the prohibition of preceding the Imam in movements, as this disrupts prayer unity. The wisdom lies in preserving the congregation's harmony and demonstrating submission to legitimate authority.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this hadith emphasizes that the follower's prayer is invalid if deliberately performed contrary to the Imam's actions, except in cases of forgetfulness or necessity.
Legal Rulings Derived
It is makruh (disliked) to delay significantly behind the Imam's actions. The follower should neither precede nor lag considerably behind the Imam's movements. The congregation should function as a single body in worship.