How the Companions prayed behind the Prophet in Ramadan

Question:
The questioner asks: When the Companions prayed behind the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Ramadan, did they see him directly, or did they follow him while he was in his house?

Answer:
No, he (peace and blessings be upon him) came out to them. He came out to them on nights of Ramadan and prayed with them, then he stayed behind at the end; he stayed away from them and said So he came out to them and prayed with them for nights, then he stayed away from them for fear that it would become obligatory upon them. Can they not do it? Yes, and it is established that they used to pray behind him while he was in his prayer place behind a mat, so they would see him when he stood up and pray facing his direction. This is also permissible, to pray facing an imam who has a barrier between him and them.