The Question

What do the scholars of the religion say regarding the matter that at the commencement of the first “Allāhu Akbar” (of the ‘iqāmah), should the ‘imām and muqtadī remain standing or should they sit down? What is the virtue in sitting down and what is the harm in remaining standing?

The Answer

There is no specific ruling for the ‘imām in this matter.

The ruling for the muqtadī is to sit and listen to the ‘iqāmah and stand at “Ḥayya `ala al-Falāḥ”. To listen to the ‘iqāmah whilst standing is makrūh. It was even said in `Ālamgīrī and others that, “If any individual enters a Masjid at such a time in which the ‘iqāmah is in progress, he should sit down immediately and stand at ‘Ḥayya ‘ala al-Falāḥ’.” The secret within this is compliance with the statement of the mu’adhin, “Qad Qāmat al-Ṣalāt”. As he said “Ḥayya ‘ala al-Falāḥ” (come towards success), the congregation stood up and as he said, “Qad Qāmat al-Ṣalāt” (the congregation has been established), the congregation has become established.

Allāh E knows best

Answered by:

Imām Aḥmad Raḍā Khān V