"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) addressed us and taught us our Sunnahs and our prayer. He said: 'When you stand for the prayer, make your rows straight, then let one of you lead the others. When he says the takbir, then say the takbir; when he says : "Wa lad-dallin" then say "Amin" and Allah (SWT) will answer you. Then when he says the takbir and bows, then say the takbir and bow, for the Imam bows before you and stands up before you.' The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: "This makes up for that. When he says: 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him),' say: 'Allahumma, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah, our Lord, to You be praise),' Allah will hear you, for indeed Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime, has said on the tongue of His Prophet: "Allah hears the one who praises Him." Then when he says the takbir and prostrates, say the takbir and prostrate, for the Imam prostrates before you and rises before you.' The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'This makes up for that. Then when you are sitting, let the following be among what one of you says: At-tahiyyatu lillahi wasalawatu wat-tayibaat, as-salamu 'alaika ayah-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina a 'ala ibad illahis-salihin, ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu. (All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1280
This comprehensive narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) contains essential guidance for congregational prayer, detailing the proper manner of following the imam and the complete tashahhud recitation.
Commentary on Congregational Prayer Etiquette
The Prophet's instruction to straighten rows emphasizes the importance of unity and order in congregational worship, reflecting the spiritual harmony Muslims should maintain.
The teaching to say "Amin" after the Imam recites "Wa lad-dallin" demonstrates the collective nature of the prayer, where the congregation's supplication is answered by Allah simultaneously.
The principle that "this makes up for that" refers to the slight delay in the followers' movements compared to the Imam, assuring worshippers that their prayer remains valid and complete despite minor timing differences.
Scholarly Analysis of Prayer Movements
Classical scholars explain that following the Imam's takbir ensures proper synchronization while maintaining the hierarchical structure of congregational prayer.
The specific response "Allahumma, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd" when the Imam says "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" represents the congregation's affirmation of divine praise, completing the cycle of worship.
The detailed tashahhud serves as the foundation of the sitting position in prayer, containing essential testimonies of faith and proper greetings to the Prophet and righteous believers.
Legal Rulings Derived from This Hadith
Islamic jurists unanimously agree this hadith establishes the obligation of following the Imam in all prayer movements without preceding or significantly delaying behind him.
The complete wording of tashahhud provided here represents the most authentic version according to majority scholars and should be memorized and recited precisely.
This narration serves as primary evidence for the validity of prayers where followers slightly lag behind the Imam, provided they complete each movement before the Imam begins the next.