The Permissibility of the Follower Differing in his Intention with his Imaam:
Jaabir (radiyallaahu `anhu) said: “Mu`aadh ibn Jabal (radiyallaahu `anhu) used to pray with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), then come and lead his people in that prayer (making his intention for voluntary prayer). One night he performed the `Ishaa’ Salaah with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam). Then, he came to his people and led them in Salaah and began reciting Soorah Al-Baqarah. So, a man turned aside, pronounced the tasleem (salutation for concluding the prayer), then prayed alone and departed. The people said to him:
“Have you become a hypocrite?” He said:
“I swear by Allaah that I have not, but I will certainly go to the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) and will inform him about this.” He then came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) and said:
“O Messenger of Allaah! We take care of the camels used for watering, and work by day. Mu`aadh prayed `Ishaa’ with you. He then came and began with Soorah Al-Baqarah!” The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) turned to Mu`aadh and said:
“O Mu`aadh! Are you putting the people to trial?! Recite such and such Soorah.”
Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (701) and Muslim (1040).
Jaabir (radiyallaahu `anhu) said: “Mu`aadh (radiyallaahu `anhu) used to pray `Ishaa’ with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) and then come to his people and lead them, that being a voluntary prayer (nafl) for him and an obligatory one for them.”
Authenticated by Ash-Shaafi`ee (C.f. At-Talkhees, 584), Al-Baihaqee (C.f. Taqreeb-ul-Asaaneed, Baab-ul-Qiraa’ah fis-Salaah), Adh-Dhahabee (Al-Muhadhdhab, 2/1017), Ibn Hajar (1/392-393), As-San`aanee (Subul-us-Salaam, 3/72), Al-Mubaarakfooree (Abkaar-ul-Minan, p.243), Al-`Azeem’aabaadee (Al-`Awn, 599) Al-Albaanee (Al-Irwaa’, 1/329), Shu`aib Al-Arna’oot (Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan, 6/162; Sunan-ud-Daaraqutnee, 1075) and others.
See also: Saheeh-ul-Jaami` (666).
