If the imam prostrates in prostration of recitation and I do not follow him, is my prayer valid?
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The questioner : If the imam prostrates in prostration of recitation and I do not follow him, is my prayer valid or not?
The Shaykh : The imam is to be followed, and it is obligatory for a person to do what his imam does, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih al-Bukhari 378 Therefore, if the imam prostrates for recitation, it is obligatory for the follower to follow him, in obedience to the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his saying: If one neglects the prostration of recitation knowingly, his prayer is invalid because he intentionally left an obligatory act. However, if he was unaware or was far away and did not hear his imam, his prayer is valid, because this prostration is not one of the pillars of prayer such that we would say it is necessary for the follower to perform it. Rather, it is recommended for the imam and obligatory for the follower for the sake of following the imam, but it is not a pillar. If he leaves it intentionally, his prayer is invalid due to his intentional disobedience of the imam. If he leaves it due to forgetfulness, unawareness, or distance, he owes nothing. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah bless you. The third question is from a female listener to the program who did not mention her name here. She says:
The Shaykh : The imam is to be followed, and it is obligatory for a person to do what his imam does, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
Imam is meant to be followed, so when he says 'Allahu Akbar,' say 'Allahu Akbar' and when he bows, bow and when he prostrates, prostrate
إنما جعِل الإمام ليؤتم به، فإذا كبّر فكبّروا، وإذا ركع فاركعوا، وإذا سجد فاسجدواand when he prostrates, prostrate
وإذا سجد فاسجدواThe questioner : May Allah bless you. The third question is from a female listener to the program who did not mention her name here. She says: