The Shaykh’s clarification of the correct place at which the follower says “Ameen.”

The Shaykh : In any case, the topic has evolved. We want to conclude this discussion so that there is no issue, may Allah reward you. What is happening today in most mosques in Makkah, Madinah, and Quba—without exception, unfortunately, except for very, very few mosques whose people have received this correct Salafi Islamic upbringing—these are the only ones, and they are truly the strangers. These are the ones who apply this Prophetic command, along with other commands, to the extent of their ability. There should be no hesitation whatsoever: what is happening in the mosques we mentioned earlier, and in others, is contrary to the command of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The issue of whether the *fa* (conjunction) implies immediate succession or not: my brother, this is completely outside the topic, because no one means that this hadith indicates the permissibility of the follower racing ahead of the imam with “Ameen.” No one says this.

The questioner : No, and then, Shaykh, the hadith which is: all came in one hadith, and it is as if the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is pointing out matters in which one might deviate, or it might occur to the mind that deviation is inevitable in them. Then, if Abu Jabir says: the *fa* implies immediate succession?

Another questioner : No, not me.

The Shaykh : It was reported from some of them.

The questioner : If the *fa* implies immediate succession, what does that mean?

Another questioner : No, it means he says that one must ensure that his “Ameen” coincides with the imam’s “Ameen.”

The questioner : Excuse me, Abu Jabir.

Another questioner : This is what they say the Shaykh said.

The Shaykh : My brother, this is what we say.

The questioner : But at the same time, one does not precede.

Another questioner : Now I understand your point, Shaykh, that the follower’s “Ameen” should not precede the imam’s “Ameen.”

The Shaykh : That is it. When we addressed this hadith, we mentioned that the scholars have two opinions in interpreting his (peace be upon him) saying: They have two opinions, or two views. One is: when he begins with “Ameen,” you begin. The other is: when he finishes his “Ameen,” you begin. Two opinions, do you see? We preferred the view that when he begins, you begin. But in reality, considering wisdom and people’s distance from proper upbringing, I might say: sometimes, according to the other view, to restrain the self that rushes to race ahead of the imam, wait until you hear the imam’s “Ameen,” then you begin with “Ameen.” This is a view. That is why I told you earlier: my brother, there is no disagreement. No scholar, whether the *fa* implies immediate succession or not, says it is permissible for the follower to precede the imam with “Ameen.”

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : And Allah is sufficient for the believers in fighting.