What is the ruling on a follower who intentionally precedes the Imam while consciously knowing the prohibition?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Ahmad stated in his treatise that one who precedes the Imam intentionally has no valid prayer, based on the severe warning concerning changing the shape of the head into that of a donkey, which implies a complete invalidation of the act. Ibn Mas'ud observed one who preceded the Imam and stated, 'You neither prayed alone nor followed your Imam,' and Ibn Umar commanded such a person to repeat the prayer because the essential element of following the Imam in a pillar was not fulfilled, similar to preceding the opening takbir or the concluding salutation.
Supporting text
According to Ibn Hamid, there are two views regarding this. Al-Qadi stated his opinion is that the prayer is valid because the follower joined the Imam in the pillar's performance, making it valid, similar to starting the bow simultaneously with the Imam.