If People Start to Follow Someone Performing Tahajjud

Q: Salaah-362: The Imaam is a Haafidh and is sitting for I'tikaaf in the Masjid. He recites three parts (Juz) of the Qur'aan in his Tahajjud salaah and the other people performing I'tikaaf follow him. However, there are times when other people also come and join him. Is there any harm in this? Who is the guilty party?

Answer: If the people are joining the Imaam without his direct or indirect permission, they will be guilty for perpetrating a Makrooh act. The Imaam must however explain the ruling to the people and prohibit them from joining him, otherwise he will also share in the guilt. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2