Question:
In our mosque, the Imam leads Taraweeh prayer very quickly, making it difficult for us to recite duas, tasbih, and maintain focus and humility in prayer. Additionally, in the first Tashahhud, he only recites:
"أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمداً عبده ورسوله"
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger."
He does not send Salawat (Durud) upon the Prophet ﷺ, considering it unnecessary. Furthermore, he recites only one or two verses in each rak‘ah. Kindly advise on this matter.
Answer:
It is essential for Imams leading congregational prayers, whether in Taraweeh or obligatory prayers, to observe tranquility and composure, recite the Qur’an with proper Tajweed, and perform Ruku‘, Sujood, and all postures with humility and steadiness. This applies to both obligatory and voluntary prayers, and maintaining calmness and tranquility (طمأنينة) is obligatory in prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ once saw a man praying without composure, and he instructed him to repeat his prayer, guiding him to perform Ruku‘, Sujood, and other postures properly. This incident is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, indicating that lack of tranquility invalidates the prayer.
Thus, Imams must recite the Qur’an at a moderate pace, ensuring that both they and their followers benefit from the recitation, allowing hearts to be moved and spiritually awakened. Reciting too fast is against the Sunnah, as it deprives the congregation of reflection and devotion in prayer.
Additionally, sending Salawat (Durud) upon the Prophet ﷺ in Tashahhud is an established practice, and some scholars even consider it obligatory. An Imam must follow the Sunnah and not innovate personal rulings.
Moreover, every person—whether Imam, follower, or an individual praying alone—should recite the following duas before ending the prayer:
- Seeking refuge from Hellfire, grave punishment, trials of life and death, and the trial of Dajjal.
- The special supplication the Prophet ﷺ taught Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه):
"اللّٰهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلٰى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ"
"O Allah, help me in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner."
Following the Sunnah properly in all aspects of prayer is mandatory, and an Imam must lead according to the Prophetic guidance, ensuring tranquility and reflection in the congregation’s prayer.
And Allah is the only One who grants success.
— Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمہ اللہ)
