Who Sets the Prayer Times — the Imam or the Followers?

Question

Is the imam subordinate to the followers (muqtadis), or the followers to the imam? That is, should he stand up for the prayer after checking the time himself, or according to the followers’ instruction?

Answer

It is better that the time be fixed in accordance with the Shari‘a by the unanimous opinion of everyone — the imam and the followers. If the followers are unacquainted [with the matter] and cannot recognise the Shar‘i times, then the imam should fix [the time] and announce it, and everyone should keep to it.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.