Forgetfulness in Prayer - Sahih al-Bukhari 1236

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during his illness prayed in his house sitting, whereas some people followed him standing, but the Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer he said, "The Imam is to be followed. So, bow when he bows, and raise your head when he raises his head." (See Hadith No. 657 Vol 1 for taking the verdict).

Commentary by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani

This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that the congregation must follow the Imam in all prayer movements. When the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed sitting due to illness, the companions initially stood, thinking they should maintain the normal posture. However, the Prophet guided them to follow his condition, demonstrating that the congregation's prayer posture should match the Imam's when he is excused.

The command "bow when he bows, and raise your head when he raises his head" emphasizes synchronization in prayer. This prevents discordance in congregational prayer and maintains the spiritual unity of the congregation. The ruling applies whether the Imam's condition is temporary (like illness) or permanent.

Scholars derive from this that if the Imam forgets a pillar of prayer, the congregation must follow him in making the prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw). This hadith serves as a cornerstone for the jurisprudence of congregational prayer and the rules governing the Imam-congregation relationship.

Legal Rulings Derived

The congregation must follow the Imam in all prayer movements and postures, even if the Imam is praying in a manner different from the norm due to a valid excuse.

If the Imam is sitting due to illness or other valid reasons, the congregation should also sit rather than stand, maintaining unity in prayer posture.

The principle of following the Imam extends to corrections for forgetfulness - if the Imam performs prostrations of forgetfulness, the congregation must follow him.