Ruling on the Ma'mum leaving the Masjid before the Imam after Taslim

Q: There are many rulings with regards to the Ma’mums (people being led by an Imam in Prayer) leaving the Masjid (mosque) after Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) and before the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) leaves the Qiblah (direction faced for Prayer towards the Ka‘bah). These rulings range between Mustahab (desirable), Ja’iz (permissible), and Makruh (disliked). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “I am your Imam so do not precede me in Ruku‘ (bowing), Sujud (prostration), Qiyam (standing), or leaving.” The Hadith indicates that just as it is unlawful for the Ma’mum to precede the Imam in Salah (Prayer), it is unlawful to precede him in leaving Salah. So, we would like to know the exact ruling on this issue. We hope the reply will come soon at the address of the school because the question is part of the syllabus taught to the pupils this year. We fear giving them a ruling that does not conform with the Shari‘ah (Islamic law). May Allah protect you and keep you as a reference for all Muslims in religious matters.

A: The meaning of leaving Salah is ending it by reciting Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer). It is authentically reported that preceding the Imam in leaving Salah is prohibited. On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “O people! I am your Imam, so do not precede me in Ruku‘ (bowing), Sujud (prostration), Qiyam (standing), or leaving (i.e. Taslim).” So, it is prohibited for the Ma’mum to recite Taslim before the Imam, but there is nothing wrong in leaving the Masjid before him after Taslim.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.