Is it obligatory to follow the imam in letting the hands hang down and placing them?

Question:
The questioner says: The ma'mum who prays behind an imam who clasps his hands after rising from ruku', while the ma'mum lets his hands hang down after rising from ruku', is it better to follow the imam based on the hadith that the imam is made to be followed?

Answer:
No, it is better to follow the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), when he stood up for prayer, would clasp his left elbow with his right palm and place them on his chest. He would place them on his chest while standing, whether before ruku' or after ruku'. So we follow the Messenger. As for the ma'mum, we follow the actions of the prayer, the ruku' and sujud; we follow him, we do not precede him, and we do not match him, but we come after him in ruku', sujud, and standing. Did you see if the imam let his hands hang down, would you follow him? No, even if the imam let his hands hang down, you do the sunnah, you clasp your hands. Yes. May Allah reward you.