Does the ruling of following the Imam remain for the congregants who delay their salutation by seconds after the Imam, and thus the Imam's sutrah serves as a sutrah for them, or are they considered individuals, making it impermissible to pass in front of them?

The Shafi'i jurists have stipulated that the ruling of following the Imam (iqtida') ceases with the Imam's salutations. Thus, the congregant (ma'mum) is considered as one praying alone (munfarid), and it is permissible for him to engage in supplication (du'a). Many jurists are of the opinion that it is preferable for the congregant to promptly offer the salutations after his Imam, as a way to avoid disagreement. No statements have been found from other than the Shafi'is regarding the ruling of a congregant who delays his salutations, but it is not appropriate to pass in front of him as a precaution. Rather, one must pass after the place of his prostration.