The follower's delay in following the imam during the recitation

Question:
If the imam rises from prostration and begins the recitation of the Opening of the Book, and some of the worshippers remain sitting until the imam finishes the Opening, or shortly before he finishes it—whether out of illness or intentionally—what is the ruling on that?

Answer:
If he is ill and standing is difficult for him, and he relies on this to complete the rest of his standing, then there is no blame on him. However, if he is doing it intentionally and out of laziness, it is not permissible. It is obligatory for him to stand and hasten to stand with his imam, unless he intends the rest sitting, which is a light, brief sitting. There is nothing wrong with that; he sits briefly, as one sits between the two prostrations, then rises without prolonging it. As for prolonging it until the imam approaches the Opening, or half of the Opening, that is not appropriate. Rather, it is obligatory to hasten and rush with the imam, because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: .
Therefore, it is obligatory for the follower to hasten and stand with the imam, except for a valid legal excuse, such as illness or the intention of the rest sitting. The rest sitting is a light sitting, and there is nothing wrong with it; in fact, it is recommended in the most correct of the scholars' opinions. If he sits with this intention, let it be brief, then he rises. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah bless you.