Position of followers standing in front of the Imam
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The Sunnah is for followers to stand behind the Imam. If they stand in front of him, their prayer is not valid, according to Abu Hanifa and Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Malik and Ishaq state that the prayer is valid because standing in front does not prevent following, making it similar to standing behind. However, the evidence indicates otherwise, as the command is that the Imam is appointed to be followed from behind, and following in front requires turning the back toward the Imam, which is contrary to established norms.