A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I keep away from the morning prayer because so-and-so (Imam) prolongs it too much." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became furious and I had never seen him more furious than he was on that day. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O people! Some of you make others dislike the prayer, so whoever becomes an Imam he should shorten the prayer, as behind him are the weak, the old and the needy.''
The Incident and Its Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 704 presents a significant incident where a companion approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) expressing his difficulty in attending Fajr prayer due to the Imam's excessive prolongation.
The man's complaint was not about prayer itself but about the manner of its performance, indicating how improper implementation can deter people from religious obligations.
The Prophet's Reaction
The Prophet's unprecedented fury demonstrates the gravity of this matter. His anger was not directed at the complainant but at the situation where prayer, meant to draw people closer to Allah, was becoming a source of hardship.
This intense reaction underscores how seriously Islam takes the removal of hardships in worship and ensuring accessibility for all believers.
Scholarly Commentary on Imam's Responsibility
Classical scholars emphasize that an Imam must consider the congregation's condition. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains that prolonging prayer beyond what is comfortable for followers is makruh (disliked).
Imam al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that the Imam should balance between perfecting the prayer and not causing hardship to those behind him, especially the categories mentioned: the weak, elderly, and those with needs.
Practical Application
This hadith establishes the principle of taysir (facilitation) in Islamic worship. The Imam should recite moderately long portions in Fajr, shorten standing periods, and avoid unnecessary prolongation.
The mention of specific groups - weak, old, needy - indicates that the Imam must be particularly mindful of those who might struggle, including workers, students, parents with young children, and those with health conditions.
Broader Implications
This teaching extends beyond prayer to all religious leadership - scholars and teachers should make knowledge accessible, not burdensome. The principle prevents excessiveness that could turn people away from religion.
The incident teaches that religious practices should be inviting rather than repelling, embodying the Quranic description of Islam as "He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty" (Quran 22:78).