If the imam sits while reciting Fatiha, do we have to follow him?

Praise to be Allah

Summary

• If the Imam starts the prayer sitting, the congregation should also sit.
• If the Imam starts standing and then sits due to illness or injury, the congregation should continue standing.

Detailed Answer:

1. If the Imam starts praying sitting down:

The congregation should also pray sitting down. This is supported by the following Hadith:

• Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed at home when he was sick. He prayed sitting down and some people prayed behind him standing up, but he gestured to them to sit. When he finished the prayer, he said, ‘The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he bows, bow; when he raises his head, raise your heads; and if he prays sitting, then pray sitting.'”
(Sahih Bukhari, 657)

• Anas ibn Malik narrated:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) fell and injured his right side. He led a prayer sitting down, and we prayed behind him sitting down. When he finished, he said, ‘The Imam is appointed to be followed. If he prays standing, then pray standing; if he prays sitting, then pray sitting.'”
(Sahih Bukhari, 648)

2. If the Imam starts the prayer standing and then sits:

The congregation should continue praying standing. This is supported by the following Hadith:

• Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) became very ill and asked, ‘Have the people prayed?’ We said, ‘No, they are waiting for you.’ He asked for water, bathed, tried to get up, but fainted. This happened three times. Finally, he told Abu Bakr to lead the prayer. Abu Bakr started the prayer standing, but when the Prophet (peace be upon him) felt a bit better, he joined the prayer sitting. Abu Bakr and the people continued standing.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 655)

This shows that if the Imam starts standing and then has to sit, the congregation should continue standing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if the Imam starts the prayer sitting, the congregation should also sit. If the Imam starts standing and then sits, the congregation should continue standing. This ensures that the prayer is performed correctly, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

And Allah Knows Best