Is it permissible for a follower to precede the Imam in any movement of prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is not permissible for a follower to precede the Imam in bowing, prostration, standing up, or concluding the prayer. This prohibition is supported by the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him, forbidding such precedence. Moreover, there is a severe warning regarding raising the head before the Imam while the Imam is prostrating, stating that Allah may transform the person's image into that of a donkey. Since the follower is subordinate to the Imam, preceding him is inappropriate, analogous to preceding the opening takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram).
Supporting text
If a follower precedes the Imam, they must rise to perform the preceding movement as a follower of the Imam. Umar narrated that if one raises their head while the Imam is prostrating, they must prostrate, and when the Imam raises his head, the follower should remain seated for the duration the Imam was in prostration. If the follower subsequently catches up to the Imam due to forgetfulness or ignorance, there is no consequence because this constitutes a slight precedence.