"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) addressed us and taught us our Sunnahs and our prayer. He said: '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. When the Imam 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: "Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be praise)," Allah (SWT) will hear you, for indeed Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has said on the tongue of His Prophet (ﷺ): "Allah hears the one who praises Him." Then when the Imam 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 first thing that any one of you says be: At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibad illahis-salihin, ashahdu an la illaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu (Allah compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah (SWT) and his blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah (SWT). I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger)."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i 1172 - Commentary by Imam an-Nawawi
The Perfection of Congregational Prayer
This comprehensive hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes the fundamental principles of congregational prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) meticulously taught the Ummah the proper manner of following the Imam, emphasizing synchronization and spiritual connection.
The instruction to straighten rows reflects the importance of unity and discipline in worship. As classical scholars explain, straight rows symbolize the unity of the Muslim community and please Allah, for it demonstrates order and reverence in His presence.
The Wisdom Behind Following the Imam
When the Prophet said "the Imam bows before you and stands up before you" yet instructed followers to synchronize their movements, he established the principle of immediate following (al-muwafaqah). Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this creates spiritual harmony while maintaining proper sequence.
The phrase "this makes up for that" indicates that any minor delay in following the Imam is compensated by the divine wisdom in this arrangement. The follower's prayer remains valid and complete despite the technical delay.
The Significance of Amin and Tahiyyat
The specific mention of saying "Amin" after "Wa lad-dallin" and the promise of Allah's response demonstrates the special status of this supplication. Classical tafsir reveals that "Amin" means "O Allah, answer our prayer" and coincides with the angels' similar invocation.
The detailed teaching of Tashahhud (At-tahiyyatu) shows its paramount importance. Scholars note that every word is divinely inspired and contains profound meanings of testimony, praise, and recognition of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) status as slave and messenger.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the obligation of following the Imam in movements, the recommended timing for saying "Amin", the proper form of Tashahhud, and the validity of praying behind an Imam despite minor delays in movement.
The great jurist Imam ash-Shafi'i derived from this that the follower should not precede the Imam in any movement, nor delay excessively, but follow immediately as taught by the Prophet (ﷺ).