The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When the Imam says Amin, say Amin, for if a person's Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven.'"
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When the Imam says Amin, say Amin, for if a person's Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 928 | Book: The Book of the Commencement of the Prayer
Commentary on the Meaning
This noble hadith establishes the profound spiritual significance of saying "Amin" in congregational prayer. The instruction to synchronize one's "Amin" with the Imam's demonstrates the importance of unity and following the prayer leader in acts of worship.
The term "Amin" means "O Allah, accept our supplication" and serves as a seal upon the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah. When the worshipper's "Amin" coincides with that of the angels, it indicates a moment of divine acceptance where the heavenly and earthly realms align in supplication.
Juridical Rulings
Scholars agree that saying "Amin" after al-Fatihah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) for both the Imam and congregation. The congregation should say it audibly but not excessively loud, following the Imam's timing.
The Hanafi school considers it obligatory (wajib), while the majority view it as highly recommended. All schools emphasize its importance in prayer and warn against neglecting this practice.
Spiritual Dimensions
The promise of forgiveness for previous sins demonstrates Allah's immense mercy. This forgiveness is conditional upon the synchronization of one's "Amin" with the angels, indicating the need for presence of heart and spiritual awareness during prayer.
Ibn al-Qayyim explains that this coincidence represents a moment when the servant's supplication aligns with divine will, creating an opening for acceptance and forgiveness. The angels' participation signifies heavenly endorsement of the earthly congregation's worship.
Practical Implementation
The worshipper should listen attentively to the Imam's recitation and prepare to say "Amin" immediately after hearing the Imam complete Surah al-Fatihah. This requires mindfulness and avoiding haste or delay.
One should understand the meaning of "Amin" while saying it, with full conviction that Allah hears and responds. The heart should be present with humility and hope for divine acceptance and forgiveness.