I saw what you were doing, but I desisted to come to you (and lead the prayer) for I feared that this prayer might become obligatory for you. (He the narrator) said: It was the month of Ramadan.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 761a
Hadith Text
"I saw what you were doing, but I desisted to come to you (and lead the prayer) for I feared that this prayer might become obligatory for you." (He the narrator) said: It was the month of Ramadan.
Commentary
This narration demonstrates the profound wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in matters of legislation. The Prophet refrained from formally leading the Taraweeh prayer in congregation during Ramadan, despite knowing his companions were praying individually, due to his concern that it might become obligatory (fard) upon the Muslim community.
This reflects the principle of gradual legislation (tadrij) in Islamic law and the Prophet's mercy in not burdening his ummah. The wisdom behind this was to preserve the voluntary (nafl) status of Taraweeh prayers while allowing flexibility for individual circumstances. Later, during Caliph Umar's time, when there was no longer fear of it becoming obligatory, the congregation was formally established as a confirmed sunnah.
This hadith also teaches us about the importance of considering long-term consequences in religious matters and the careful balance between encouraging good deeds and avoiding undue hardship upon the believers.