What is the ruling on prolonging the last prostration (sujud) in prayer?

Prostration is one of the positions where supplication is answered, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating," and "As for prostration, strive in supplication therein, for it is most likely to be answered for you." It is permissible for an individual to prolong prostration, but the Imam should not prolong it to the extent that it harms the congregants, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If any of you leads the people in prayer, he should lighten it, for among them are the young, the old, the sick, and the weak. But if he prays alone, let him pray as he wishes."