Question 195) - What are the rules of following the Imam?

A: The details are as follows:

1. One praying Fard can pray behind an Imam praying Fard, if both are praying the same Fard. When they differ, it is not allowed tc follow, e.g. one prays Zhuhr and the other 'Asr; or one prays the Zhuhr of today and the other the Zhuhr of yesterday

2. One with Tayammum can lead those with Wudu.

3. One who has wiped his Khuff can lead those who washed their feet.

4. One praying sitting due to illness can lead those praying standing.

5. One who must perform full Ruku' and Sajdah cannot follow one who makes by indication.

6. One praying Nafl can follow one praying Fard.

7. The opposite is not allowed.

8. A non-excused cannot follow an excused, e.g. a man with continuous urine or passing wind or a wound which is not stopping cannot lead a man who is healthy and has proper purity.

9. A pure woman cannot follow a Mustahadah.

10. One able to recite Qira-ah cannot follow one who is unable to read the minimum Fare Qira-ah.

11. A clothed person cannot follow a naked person.

~ al-Quduri ~