Does the ma'mum wait for the imam's second taslim before he says the salam, or does he not?

The questioner : During the taslim in prayer, is it permissible for me to say the salam to the right and left behind the imam without waiting for him to finish both taslams?

The Shaykh : This is a good question. You should not wait for his second taslim, because the completion of the prayer is by the first taslim. The pillar of the two taslams is only the first one, while the second taslim is a recommended practice (sunnah). If he says the salam, you say it; if he does not say it, you do not say it, and you are content with the first taslim along with him. What people do today, waiting for the imam until they hear him finish the second taslim, and then following him with the first and second taslim, is contrary to the stronger position in this issue. I hope this has become clear to you, if Allah wills.

The questioner : If he says the salam to the right, can I stand up?

The Shaykh : Yes, you can stand up, but do not contradict the imam. Contradicting the imam here is a separate issue.

The questioner : If the imam tells me to say the salam after the two taslams, if I asked the imam.

The Shaykh : It is up to him. The important thing is the action, not the words. His words may be wrong, and they may be right.