Abu Dawud

1335. Commentary:

➊ Turning away from the qiblah is perhaps so that even those watching from afar may know that the prayer has ended. In any case, the imam sitting facing the congregation was a necessity only within the limits of the prayer; after the prayer, it is appropriate for him to sit facing the people, just as a leader sits with his people. Therefore, the imam should change his direction from the qiblah. Then, if he wishes, he may sit facing directly towards the congregation—especially if he intends to address them—or, if he wishes, he may sit turning to the right or left. Giving preference to the right is commendable, because the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) generally preferred the right side.

➋ The meaning of this hadith could also be that when you had completed the prayer, you got up and went home; however, it was your practice to remain engaged in remembrance (dhikr) for a long time after the prayer, especially after the morning prayer. The virtues of this are also mentioned in the ahadith. It is possible that there was some task, so you left immediately, but to take this meaning is far-fetched, because this refers to the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage at Masjid Khaif, as has already been mentioned in hadith 859. And the wording in Musnad Ahmad is: «ثُم انحرَفَ جالسًا» "Then he turned while sitting." [مسند أحمد : 4/161] Therefore, the first explanation appears to be more correct. However, if there is a need, the imam may also get up and leave immediately. And Allah knows best.