Prohibition of raising one's Head before the Imam

باب تحريم رفع المأموم رأسه من الركوع أو السجود قبل الإمام

Prayer behind an imam is meant to be just that: a following, where the congregation moves with their leader and not ahead of him. This short chapter warns against rushing up out of bowing or prostration before the imam does.

Its single hadith uses a vivid warning to press the point home. The lesson is patience and order in congregational prayer, staying in step with the one we have chosen to follow.

Hadith 1751

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏أما يخشى أحدكم إذا رفع رأسه قبل الإمام أن يجعل الله رأسه رأس حمار‏!‏ أو يجعل الله صورته صورة حمار‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Does he who raises up his head before the Imam not fear that Allah will make his head that of a donkey or make his appearance similar to that of donkey?" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

The Prophet gave a stark warning to anyone who lifts his head out of bowing before the imam does. The point is to follow the imam and not race ahead of him in prayer.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1751 In-book reference : Book 17, Hadith 241