Some people, when they enter the mosque and the imam is bowing, clear their throat or say, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Is it permissible for the imam to wait for this person?
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The questioner : Some people, O honorable Shaykh, when they enter the mosque and the imam is bowing, do some things, for example, clearing their throat or saying, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Is it permissible for the imam to wait for this person?
The Shaykh : First, we say to the one entering: Do not do this.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Because some people disturb you while you are praying, meaning they disturb the one praying if they clear their throat or say, "Be patient, for indeed Allah is with the patient," or if they run and rush vigorously, even though the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade a man from rushing vigorously when he comes to prayer. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Bulugh al-Maram 2:329 But some of the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) said: If one catches the imam in bowing, there is no harm in hurrying, provided the haste is not ugly. As for the imam, the jurists (may Allah have mercy on them) say: It is recommended to wait for the one entering, unless it is difficult for the followers. If it is difficult for the followers with him, he should not wait, because those with him have a greater sanctity than the new entrant. And perhaps evidence can be cited for this view, namely the recommendation to wait for the one entering, from the practice of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), who used to shorten the prayer when he heard the crying of a child, fearing that his mother would be distressed. Thus, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) hurried out of consideration for the women with him who were praying. This indicates that there is no blame on the imam if he considers the one entering and waits in bowing until this entrant reaches the row and bows, especially if it is the last rak'ah. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you. Shaykh Muhammad.
The Shaykh : First, we say to the one entering: Do not do this.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Because some people disturb you while you are praying, meaning they disturb the one praying if they clear their throat or say, "Be patient, for indeed Allah is with the patient," or if they run and rush vigorously, even though the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade a man from rushing vigorously when he comes to prayer. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
If you hear the Iqamah, you must walk to the prayer (place) with tranquility and dignity, and do not hasten; and whatever portion of the prayer you get (along with the Imam) offer it, and complete afterwards whatever you missed.
إذا سمعتم الإقامة فامشوا إلى الصلاة وعليكم السكينة والوقار ولا تسرعوا فما أدركتم فصلوا وما فاتكم فأتمواThe questioner : May Allah reward you. Shaykh Muhammad.