An imam who cannot prostrate on his forehead: do the followers prostrate, or do they prostrate like him?

The Shaykh : Yes

The questioner : Your Eminence, an imam prays standing, but he is unable to prostrate on his forehead. Do the followers prostrate, or do they do the same as him?

The Shaykh : This is an important question. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the imam: So, if the imam is unable to prostrate, do we ask the followers not to prostrate? The answer is: some scholars hold that if an imam is unable to perform a pillar other than standing, it is not permissible for one who is able to perform it to follow him in prayer. Do you understand? That is, if the imam is unable to prostrate, it is not permissible for others who are able to prostrate to follow him; rather, they should look for another imam. Based on this opinion, does this question apply or not? I ask you all: it does not apply, because they are not praying with him in the first place. However, the correct view is that it is valid for a follower who is able to perform the pillar to follow one who is unable to do so. In this case, we say: if the imam prostrates, it is obligatory for him to prostrate close to the ground, to the extent that he does not harm himself. The followers must prostrate on the ground and not follow him in this. If someone asks, “What is the difference between standing and prostrating?” we say: the difference between them was explained by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) when he prayed with his Companions while sitting, and they were standing. He gestured to them to sit, then explained the wisdom behind it, saying: Because if the imam sits and the people behind him are all standing, they are as if they are standing over him. Standing over a person is prohibited unless there is a benefit. Do you understand, my son? So, what do we say? We say: according to the stronger opinion, they prostrate on the ground, while he prostrates as close to the ground as he is able to reach.