Imam Al Uthaymeen said speaking regarding the narration:

“I have done this so that you may follow me and learn the way I pray”

“Taken from it is the legislation of looking at the knowledeagble Imaam if he prays [leads]. The companions, May Allah be pleased with them, used to do that, because looking at him [the Imam] is a form of seeking knowledge, and seeking knowledge is more virtuous than a person keeping his sight fixed at the place of his Sujood.

For this reason we say turning due to a need or due to a benefit is permissible and this is a benefit [looking at the prayer of the knowledgeable Imam].

[Commentary on As Siyaasatus Shar’iyah, Page 371]

Translated by

Majid Jawed Al-Afghanee
Abu Layl