How many taslims an Imam and Muqtadi would do?

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

Imam Abu Hanifah (RA), Imam Shafi (RA) and Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (RA) are of the view that an Imam and Muqtadi will make two salams, one to the right and one to the left.

Imam Malik (RA) is of the view that the imam will only make one salam in front and then slightly move his face to the right. The Muqtadi on the other hand will make three salams, one in front, one to the right and one to the left.

Imam Malik (RA) proof is deduced from a hadith narrated by Saaidah Aaisha Radiallahu Anha that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam made one salam in front and the slightly moved (his head) towards the right side. (Sunan Tirmizi p..65 v.1)

However, this hadith is weak as it is narrated by Zuhair Bin Muhammad. Furthermore, this hadith goes against more authentic ahadith where it states that the Prophet of Allah SWA and the Sahabas did two salama. (Dars Tirimizi p.64 v.2)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.