A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because So and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it." The narrator said, "I never saw Allah's Apostle more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, "Some of you make people dislike good deeds (the prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy."
Hadith Text & Context
A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because So and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it." The narrator said, "I never saw Allah's Apostle more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, "Some of you make people dislike good deeds (the prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 702
Scholarly Commentary
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari addresses the critical responsibility of the imam (prayer leader) toward the congregation. The Prophet's unprecedented fury demonstrates the gravity of making acts of worship burdensome for Muslims.
The complaint reveals how excessive prolongation of prayer can deter people from congregational worship - a serious spiritual harm. The Prophet's response establishes the principle of considering the weakest members when leading prayer, emphasizing compassion over personal preference in worship.
Classical scholars like Imam An-Nawawi explain that while lengthy prayer has merit in private, congregational prayer requires moderation. The imam represents the community before Allah and must balance spiritual excellence with practical consideration for all worshippers - especially the elderly, sick, and those with legitimate needs.
Legal Rulings Derived
Leading scholars derived that the imam should recite moderately lengthy verses in Fajr prayer, shorten standing periods in other prayers, and avoid excessive repetition or prolonged bowing/prostration.
The prayer should be established with proper reverence and completion of pillars, but without causing hardship. This ruling applies particularly when leading mixed congregations with varying capabilities.
Whoever notices people being driven away from prayer due to unnecessary prolongation should advise the imam gently, following the example of the companion in this hadith who expressed his concern directly to the Prophet.