What is the meaning of the hadith: “Do not stand up until you see me”?

Question : The saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): “Do not stand up until you see me.” The issue is: if the mosque is large and we see the imam enter, for example, through the door or into the mihrab.

Answer : Yes, there is nothing wrong with the congregation standing up when they see the imam, provided it is the imam’s custom to have the iqamah called as soon as he enters the mosque. However, if that is not the case, he may enter the mosque and remain to perform the sunnah, or he may enter with someone who is talking to him, in which case they do not stand up for him. You are also aware that the well-known position among the Hanbalis is that the ma’mum does not stand up until the mu’adhdhin says, “The prayer has begun.”