He heard Abu Musa say: "The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) addressed us and taught us our Sunnah and our prayer. He said: 'When you pray, make your rows straight and let one of you lead you in prayer. When the Imam says the takbir, then say the takbir. When he recites 'Not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor those who went astray' then say: "Amin" and Allah will answer you. When he says the takbir and bows, then say the takbir and bow. The Imam bows before you do and stands up before you do.' The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'This makes up for that. And when he says: "'Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him),' then say: "Allahumma Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah, our Lord, and to You be the praise), " Allah will hear you, for Allah has said on the lips of His Prophet (ﷺ): "Allah hears the one who praises Him." And when he (the Imam) says the takbir and prostrates, then say the takbir and prostrate. The Imam prostrates before you do and sits up before you do.' The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'This makes up for that. And when he is sitting, let the first thing that any one of you says be: At-tahiyaatut-tayyibatus-salawatuLillah, salamun 'alayka ayyuhanabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, salamun 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin, ashhadu an la ilaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh (All compliments, good words and prayers 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 there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger)- seven phrases which are the greeting of the prayer.'"
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i 1064 - Commentary by Imam an-Nasa'i
Hadith Context and Significance
This comprehensive narration from Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) contains fundamental teachings regarding congregational prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) systematically instructed his companions in the proper manner of performing salah behind an imam, establishing the principles of synchronization and proper timing in prayer movements.
Commentary on Congregational Prayer Etiquette
The emphasis on straightening rows reflects the importance of unity and discipline in congregational worship. The instruction to follow the imam's takbir demonstrates the hierarchical structure of prayer leadership, where the congregation responds to the imam's actions rather than preceding them.
The timing difference between the imam and congregation ("The Imam bows before you do and stands up before you do") serves a practical purpose - allowing the congregation to complete their movements properly while maintaining the prayer's flow. The Prophet's statement "This makes up for that" indicates the divine wisdom in this arrangement.
Specific Prayer Actions Explained
When reciting Surah al-Fatihah, the congregation says "Amin" after the imam completes "Nor those who went astray." Scholars explain that saying "Amin" in unison creates a powerful spiritual moment where Allah responds to the collective supplication of the worshippers.
The response "Allahumma Rabbana wa lakal-hamd" after the imam's "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" connects the human act of praise with Allah's acceptance, as confirmed by the Quranic verse referenced by the Prophet.
The Tashahhud Analysis
The detailed instruction regarding the sitting position and the specific wording of Tashahhud demonstrates the precision required in prayer. The seven phrases mentioned constitute the essential components of the prayer's greeting (tahiyyat), encompassing praise to Allah, blessings upon the Prophet, peace upon the righteous, and the testimony of faith.
Classical scholars note that this formulation contains the core elements of Islamic creed and establishes the proper protocol for addressing Allah and His Messenger during prayer.