Chapter on Leading the Prayer (Imāmah)
In this chapter the author discusses the etiquette required of both the imam and the follower, clarifying what is obligatory and what is recommended, and explaining the relationship that binds them.
Imāmah is a divinely ordained system through which Allah practically trains us to attain lofty objectives and noble goals: cultivating sound obedience, learning to follow commanders on the battlefield, perfecting order and discipline in military movements, and accustoming the community to mutual care and equality. Thus the young may stand beside the old, the wealthy beside the poor, and the noble beside the commoner—secrets of wisdom too numerous to count. Above all, the supreme purpose is to worship Allah the Exalted and to humble ourselves before Him.
Hadith One
Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Does the one who raises his head before the imam not fear that Allah might turn his head into the head of a donkey, or make his face the face of a donkey?!”
Clarification of Unfamiliar Phrases
- “Ammā” – Al-Shawkānī explained that it is a particle of introduction, originally the negation “mā” preceded by the interrogative hamzah. Here it carries a reproachful question.
- “Yakhshā” – means “to fear.” The sense is therefore: let him fear, for the purpose of the interrogative is to forbid raising one’s head before the imam.
Overall Meaning
The imam is appointed in prayer so that the congregation may follow him; the movements of the follower are to come after the imam’s movements, thereby realizing true conformity. If a follower precedes the imam, the intended benefits of imāmah are lost. Hence this severe warning is issued against the one who lifts his head before the imam: Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or change his appearance into that of a donkey, disfiguring the very limb that committed the act and thereby spoiling the prayer.
Scholarly Disagreement on Preceding the Imam
The scholars unanimously agree that it is forbidden for a follower to move ahead of the imam, given the grave threat contained in this ḥadith. They differed, however, on whether the follower’s prayer is invalidated. The majority hold that it is not nullified.