prescribed manner for a resident, whereas performing Maghrib as four rak'ahs is not a prescribed manner at all.

Accordingly, we say: In the case of the traveler, shortening the prayer is outweighed by the obligation to follow the imam. Completing the prayer is not unlawful for the traveler; that is, one who completes the prayer while traveling is not like one who performs Maghrib as four rak'ahs or performs Fajr as four rak'ahs. Thus, the difference between the two cases is clear. Whoever prays behind an imam who is a resident while he himself is traveling must complete the prayer, whether he joined it from its beginning or during it, due to the general import of the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “Whatever you catch of the prayer, pray; and whatever you miss, complete.” (1)

There remains an issue mentioned by Shaykh al-Islam, concerning which there is some reservation: namely, if a person prays behind someone who is performing the funeral prayer. Shaykh al-Islam permits him to join him, intend to follow him as imam, and follow the imam in the takbirs. Yet there is neither bowing nor prostration in the funeral prayer; so when the imam concludes the funeral prayer with the salām, he completes his own prayer. This is because the one performing the funeral prayer is offering a prayer that differs from that of the follower in its actions and form. Hence there is some reservation in the heart regarding this view.

Section

The followers stand behind the imam, .............

His statement, “Section,” means: regarding the positions of the imam and the followers—that is, where does the imam stand, and where does the follower stand? This is the subject of this section.

By virtue of his very designation, the imam is an imam; thus, it is more fitting that he stand in front of the worshippers, so that he is distinct and may serve as the one followed and emulated. This is also how the sunnah has come.

His statement, “The followers stand behind the imam”: “followers” is a plural noun, and the minimum number of