The Book Of Prayer (Kitaab-ul-Salaat)

When the time for congregational Prayer approaches, the Caller (Muazzin) should announce the
“ Iqamah” - and the “ Imaam” and the followers should get up and make proper rows, when
the “ Muazzin” reaches words "Hayya alas-Salaah Hayya alal-Falaah". The “ Imaam” must
advise the followers to maintain proper rows. If the followers keep their heels in line with each
other, the row will be set straight.
It is obligatory for the follower to have the intention in his heart, that he is offering Prayer in the
leadership of the particular “ Imaam” . The follower must finish his "Takbeer Tahreemah" after
the “ Imaam” has finished saying it. All that is Obligatory (Farz) in Prayer, must be
compulsorily carried out in the leadership of the “ Imaam” . If a follower performs an obligatory
act and finishes it before the “ Imaam” has started it - and does not offer it again with or after
the “ Imaam” - it will render the Prayer void. For example, if a follower offers prostration
before the “ Imaam” and the “ Imaam” has not yet come into prostration while the follower
lifts up his head - and if he does not (again) offer the prostration with the “ Imaam” or after the
“ Imaam” - it will render his Prayer void.
If the “ Imaam” forgets to offer the first Qaadah, and starts getting up, the followers should
remind him (give “ Luqmah” ) only if he is nearer to the sitting position so that the “ Imaam”
may revert to the Qaadah. If the “ Imaam” is nearer to standing upright or has already stood up
fully, the followers must not remind him, for it will invalidate the Prayer of the person who gives
the reminder. If the “ Imaam” pays heed to such a reminder, his Prayer will also become void,
resulting in the invalidation of Prayer of all the followers too.
If there are two or more followers, they should stand behind the “ Imaam” . If there is only one
follower, he should stand next to the “ Imaam” , on the right. Standing next to the “ Imaam”
implies that the follower's ankles should not be ahead of that of the “ Imaam” . If only one
follower was praying with the “ Imaam” , and another one joins, the “ Imaam” should take a
step forward and the newcomer should stand next to the follower. Alternatively, the follower
may step backwards by himself or the newcomer may pull him back - both ways are permitted.
It is Undesirable (Makrooh) to stand in the back rows if there is space available in the front rows.
Therefore if one sees that there is space in the front rows, while the back rows are full, he should
cleave through the back rows to join the front rows. It has been observed that some persons leave
the front rows and purposely sit in the back rows. How good or bad is this deed of theirs? Note
what the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said about this: “ If people knew what
is the reward for the “ Azaan” and the first row, everyone would crave for it - to the extent that
they would draw lots for it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "People will always keep going
back from the first row to the extent that Allah the Supreme will drive them away from mercy,
and throw them in the fire."
Rules regarding the Masbook (The late joiner)