What is the ruling on seeking refuge with Allah at the verses of punishment during prayer, whether as imam or as a follower?

Question:
The questioner asks: If the imam passes a verse of mercy or punishment, is it permissible for him to ask for mercy and seek refuge?

Answer:
This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do. But this is in voluntary prayer, not in obligatory prayer. It is reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in voluntary prayer. Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did this while praying alone, not as an imam, because if he were an imam, it would be burdensome for the followers and would prolong the prayer for them. If he is praying a voluntary prayer and is alone, he stands and asks for mercy at the verses of mercy, and he stands and seeks refuge when the verses of punishment are mentioned during the recitation of the verses of punishment, because he does not burden anyone; he is only praying for himself. As for the imam, he considers the conditions of the followers and does not burden them.