The reason the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Mu'adh: "Are you a tempter?"

Question:
This questioner says: Shaykh, what is the context of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) saying to Mu'adh, "Are you a tempter, O Mu'adh?"

Answer:
The context is that Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) used to pray with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then he would go out and pray with his people, lengthening the recitation. It is reported that he recited Surat al-Baqarah, which was burdensome for some of the ma'mum (those praying behind the imam), especially those who had needs. Some of them separated from Mu'adh, completed their prayer, and left. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was informed of this, he rebuked Mu'adh, saying, "Are you a tempter, O Mu'adh? Recite with 'By the sun and its morning brightness' and 'By the fig and the olive.' He guided him to the medium-length surahs so as not to cause hardship for the people. Yes.