What should an Imam do if some worshippers complain about him prolonging the prayer, even though his action is established in the Sunnah?
The Sunnah for the Imam is to lighten the prayer without compromising its pillars, because behind him are the weak, the sick, the elderly, and those with needs. This is indicated by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "If any of you leads the people in prayer, he should lighten it, for among them are the weak, the sick, and the elderly. And if any of you prays alone, he may prolong it as much as he wishes." And his saying: "O people, some of you are causing aversion! So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it, for behind him are the elderly, the weak, and those with needs."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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