the prayer has not even begun. If the simultaneous movement occurs in any other pillar of the prayer, it is still forbidden: some jurists label it merely disliked, while others consider it unlawful.

Preceding the imam outright—performing an act before he does—has already been mentioned: if it happens in the opening declaration of Allah’s greatness, the prayer is invalid. Concerning bowing and prostration, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) issued a severe warning about rising from them ahead of the imam, saying, “Does not one of you fear that, if he lifts his head before the imam, Allah may turn his head into the head of a donkey or change his face into the face of a donkey?” This threat makes one fear that, should a person raise his head from bowing or prostration before his imam, Allah may transform his appearance into that of a donkey—Allah’s refuge is sought.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) chose the donkey in particular because it is regarded as the dullest of animals. For that reason the Qur’an likens those who were entrusted with the Torah but failed to carry it out to “a donkey carrying books” (Q 62:5).

Thus it is forbidden for the follower to precede the imam in rising from bowing or rising from prostration; it is likewise forbidden to go into the bow or the prostration before the imam.

Some people make the opposite mistake: when the imam rises from prostration, they remain down, claiming they are making supplication and that this is a praiseworthy act. We say: yes, it would be praiseworthy—if you were praying alone. But while following an imam, lingering behind him contradicts the Prophet’s guidance, for he said, “When he bows, then bow.” The particle “then” indicates immediate sequence. Therefore the prescribed practice is to follow promptly, without delay.

Discussion of the two hadiths will follow, Allah willing.