If the Imam Lengthens Recitation and a Follower Prays Alone?
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il, Vol. 1, p. 155
Question
If the imam lengthens the recitation in prayer and a follower, due to this, leaves the congregation and prays alone, what is the ruling? Can such a case be applied to the ḥadīth of Sayyidunā Muʿādh ibn Jabal (RA), which is reported in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī under Kitāb al-Adhān, Bāb: If the imam prolongs the prayer and a man with a need departs and prays?
✔ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd!
◈ If the imam lengthens the recitation excessively, then one must consider whether his recitation is beyond what has been reported from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
◈ To my knowledge, in our times there is no imam who recites longer than what has been authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ in his prayers.
◈ Therefore, applying the ḥadīth of Muʿādh ibn Jabal (RA) to such cases, or acting upon it in this way, is questionable.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
"This is what I hold, and Allah knows best what is correct."
