Author: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (Hafizahullah)
Arabic Text:
إِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ لِلنَّاسِ فَلْيُخَفِّفْ
“When one of you leads the people in prayer, he should make it brief.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 703]
The Imam should take the congregants' condition into account during Salah, as there may be individuals who are weak, elderly, ill, or in need.
② Definition of "Takhfif" (Making it Brief):
Rasulullah ﷺ used to intend lengthy prayers but would shorten them upon hearing a child cry. He did so out of concern for the distress it might cause the mother.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 709]
④ Complaint About Lengthy Prayer:
During the Prophet’s ﷺ time, a man complained about intentionally missing Fajr prayer because the Imam prolonged the recitation.
The prayer can be made shorter through concise recitation and Dhikr while maintaining khushu' (humility) and tranquility.
Arabic Text:
إِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ لِلنَّاسِ فَلْيُخَفِّفْ
“When one of you leads the people in prayer, he should make it brief.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 703]
Key Points:
① Responsibility of the Imam:The Imam should take the congregants' condition into account during Salah, as there may be individuals who are weak, elderly, ill, or in need.
② Definition of "Takhfif" (Making it Brief):
- Takhfif (shortening) does not mean hastening the prayer by neglecting tranquility and proper posture.
- It specifically refers to brevity in recitation while maintaining proper completion of bowing (Ruku') and prostration (Sujud).
- Imam Bukhari's Chapter Heading:
Imam Bukhari (رحمه الله) stated in his Sahih:
“The Imam should shorten only the standing (recitation), while ensuring proper Ruku' and Sujud.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan, Chapter 6]
Rasulullah ﷺ used to intend lengthy prayers but would shorten them upon hearing a child cry. He did so out of concern for the distress it might cause the mother.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 709]
④ Complaint About Lengthy Prayer:
During the Prophet’s ﷺ time, a man complained about intentionally missing Fajr prayer because the Imam prolonged the recitation.
- Rasulullah ﷺ was displeased and said:
“Some of you cause dislike among the people. Whoever leads the prayer should make it brief because among the people are the weak, the elderly, and those in need.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 702]
The prayer can be made shorter through concise recitation and Dhikr while maintaining khushu' (humility) and tranquility.
- Example of Anas (RA):
Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that Rasulullah ﷺ would offer a prayer that was both brief yet complete, ensuring tranquility and fulfillment of its pillars.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan: 706]
Summary of Guidance:
- The Imam should consider the congregation’s needs and avoid overly long prayers.
- Brevity should focus on recitation while ensuring proper fulfillment of all other prayer actions.
- Maintain tranquility, humility, and completion of the prayer as per the Sunnah.