What is the criterion for following the imam?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. Regarding the imam.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : ... from the takbir, does one follow ... oh Shaykh?
The Shaykh : Yes, in following the imam, the criterion is the action. But some ignorant among the imams do not say takbir for prostration unless they prostrate, and do not say takbir for bowing unless they bow. He says, "I am afraid of what?"
The student: Of getting ahead.
The Shaykh : Of getting ahead. We say, "Allahu Akbar!" This is a great ignorance, because if he does not say takbir unless he prostrates or bows, then he has left an obligatory part of the prayer according to the opinion of some scholars. For example, our jurists (may Allah have mercy on them) do not allow starting before moving, nor finishing when reaching the second pillar. However, the stronger position with us is that if he starts before moving and then completes it while he is lowering himself, there is no harm. Yes?
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : ... from the takbir, does one follow ... oh Shaykh?
The Shaykh : Yes, in following the imam, the criterion is the action. But some ignorant among the imams do not say takbir for prostration unless they prostrate, and do not say takbir for bowing unless they bow. He says, "I am afraid of what?"
The student: Of getting ahead.
The Shaykh : Of getting ahead. We say, "Allahu Akbar!" This is a great ignorance, because if he does not say takbir unless he prostrates or bows, then he has left an obligatory part of the prayer according to the opinion of some scholars. For example, our jurists (may Allah have mercy on them) do not allow starting before moving, nor finishing when reaching the second pillar. However, the stronger position with us is that if he starts before moving and then completes it while he is lowering himself, there is no harm. Yes?