When do the followers stand up when the iqamah is called?

The questioner : If the prayer is not valid because it is too long, well, if the iqamah is called and we are sitting, for example, in the mosque, when do we stand up? Do we stand up as they say, meaning when the prayer has started, or is it permissible at any time from its beginning, for example?

The Shaykh : There are two cases here. The first case: if the imam is present, then when he stands up, the people stand up.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : And if he is absent, they do not stand up until they see that the imam has entered or has stood up.

The questioner : Does it depend, meaning, on seeing the imam enter the prayer hall, meaning?

The Shaykh : Yes, if the iqamah is called, do not stand up until you see me.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : This is what the authentic hadith says.

The questioner : What Allah willed. If the iqamah is called meaning it does not depend on the mere fact that he said it and the prayer started, so the person goes.

The Shaykh : No, but the question is valid.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : That it be asked when the imam stands up?

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : The imam, and the answer to this question: The default is that he stands up when he says "Hayya 'ala al-salah," unless he sees that there is a large gathering that needs guidance, teaching, and straightening of the rows. In that case, he stands up when he sees that the public benefit requires his standing up. Do you understand me?

The questioner : Yes, even if the iqamah is not called, meaning?

The Shaykh : Even if the iqamah is not called.

The questioner : Yes, this is regarding the imam, of course.

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed.