What is the ruling on the imam prolonging the bowing until the latecomer catches up?
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The questioner : May the peace of Allah, His mercy, and His blessings be upon you, esteemed Shaykh.
The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and Allah's mercy and blessings.
The questioner : What is the ruling on the imam prolonging the bowing until the latecomer catches up in the bowing? Please advise us, and may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:
The scholars mentioned that it is recommended for the imam, if he is bowing and senses someone entering, to wait a little, especially if this bowing is in the last units of the prayer. However, they stipulated that it must not be burdensome for the followers, such as if he senses someone entering from the mosque door, and the mosque is far, and this man, for example, is walking slowly, and it would be burdensome for the followers if he waited for him. In this case, he does not wait for him, because those with him from the beginning of the prayer are more deserving of consideration than the second person.
Perhaps the origin of this in the Sunnah is that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to prolong the first unit of the prayer in order for the people to attend. This is regarding the prolongation.
Another origin regarding the shortening is that he used to hasten in his prayer when he heard the crying of a child, fearing that his mother would be distracted. Therefore, there is a basis in the Shari'ah, but with the condition that it does not become burdensome for the followers.
There is also another condition in it, which I mention, and that is: that one does not fear that this person who entered will say the takbir of intention while bowing, because if he says the takbir of intention while bowing, his prayer becomes voluntary rather than obligatory, because some people, with the speed, say the takbir while they are descending. This is not valid in the obligatory prayer. Yes.
The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and Allah's mercy and blessings.
The questioner : What is the ruling on the imam prolonging the bowing until the latecomer catches up in the bowing? Please advise us, and may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:
The scholars mentioned that it is recommended for the imam, if he is bowing and senses someone entering, to wait a little, especially if this bowing is in the last units of the prayer. However, they stipulated that it must not be burdensome for the followers, such as if he senses someone entering from the mosque door, and the mosque is far, and this man, for example, is walking slowly, and it would be burdensome for the followers if he waited for him. In this case, he does not wait for him, because those with him from the beginning of the prayer are more deserving of consideration than the second person.
Perhaps the origin of this in the Sunnah is that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to prolong the first unit of the prayer in order for the people to attend. This is regarding the prolongation.
Another origin regarding the shortening is that he used to hasten in his prayer when he heard the crying of a child, fearing that his mother would be distracted. Therefore, there is a basis in the Shari'ah, but with the condition that it does not become burdensome for the followers.
There is also another condition in it, which I mention, and that is: that one does not fear that this person who entered will say the takbir of intention while bowing, because if he says the takbir of intention while bowing, his prayer becomes voluntary rather than obligatory, because some people, with the speed, say the takbir while they are descending. This is not valid in the obligatory prayer. Yes.