Is it permissible for the Imam to prolong the rak'ah until the congregants catch the bowing (rukū') after hearing the saying, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient"?
This action has no basis in the era or guidance of the Companions, and it causes disturbance to those praying. It is forbidden due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Let not some of you raise their voices over others with the Qur’an," and "Let not some of you harm others, nor let some of you raise their voices over others in recitation." As for the imam waiting for someone to join the prayer, he should do so, especially in the last rak'ah, because of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whoever catches one rak'ah of the prayer has caught the prayer." However, he should not wait if it causes hardship to the ma'mūmīn (congregants).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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