Is saying "Amen" before the Imam contrary to the Sunnah, and are worshipers advised not to say it before the Imam?
It is recommended for the worshiper to say "Ameen" at the same time as the Imam, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "When the Imam says 'Ameen,' then say 'Ameen,' for whoever's 'Ameen' coincides with the 'Ameen' of the angels, his past sins will be forgiven." The conjunction "fa" (then) in the Hadith indicates sequence and immediate succession, meaning the worshipers should say "Ameen" with the Imam, and not precede him. Scholars have mentioned that this simultaneous utterance is recommended, and it is recommended specifically for saying "Ameen" and not for other actions of the prayer. People should be guided to this with wisdom and good counsel.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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