Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) fell down from a horse and his right side was either injured or scratched, so we went to inquire about his health. The time for the prayer became due and he offered the prayer while sitting and we prayed while standing. He said, "The Imam is to be followed; so if he says Takbir, you should also say Takbir, and if he bows you should also bow; and when he lifts his head you should also do the same and if he says: Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah (Allah hears whoever sends his praises to Him) you should say: Rabbana walakal-Hamd (O our Lord! All the praises are for You.") (See Hadith No. 656 Vol. 1).
Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1114
Contextual Analysis
This narration occurred during the Prophet's return from the Battle of Khaybar, when he suffered an injury from falling from his horse. The Companions visited to inquire about his health, and the prayer time commenced while he was still injured.
Juridical Ruling on Prayer Behind Sitting Imam
When the Imam is legitimately excused from standing due to illness or injury, the congregation follows his movements while standing themselves. This demonstrates the flexibility within Islamic jurisprudence to accommodate legitimate needs while maintaining congregational prayer.
Following the Imam's Actions
The Prophet explicitly clarified that congregants must synchronize their movements with the Imam's takbir, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. This establishes the principle of complete emulation of the Imam's actions, regardless of differences in physical capacity between Imam and followers.
Response During Prayer
When the Imam says "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah," the congregation responds with "Rabbana walakal-hamd." This exchange maintains the spiritual connection between Imam and followers while affirming the theological truth that all praise belongs solely to Allah.
Scholarly Consensus
Classical scholars from all madhahib agree that this hadith establishes the permissibility of praying behind a sitting Imam when necessary, while the congregation stands. This ruling applies to both obligatory and voluntary prayers and reflects Islam's accommodation of human circumstances.