If the congregation has become accustomed to a brief prayer, and then an imam arrives, should he apply the Sunnah or accommodate them?
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The questioner : Many imams accustom the people to a quick prayer. So when someone comes who revives the Sunnah among them, and there is no hardship in the usual situation, it becomes difficult for them. Many of them even leave the congregational prayer behind this imam. Is this a justification for him to shorten the prayer for them, or should he apply the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and not care about those who leave the prayer behind him?
The Shaykh : We say: Apply the Sunnah. But if you see that you can do this gradually, lengthening it a little at a time, that is good. Otherwise, you are commanded to apply the Sunnah. If someone misses the congregation, he has no excuse. However, if a man misses the prayer behind Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him), that is for an excuse, for in some narrations, Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) began reciting Surat al-Baqarah, which is a lengthening.
The Shaykh : We say: Apply the Sunnah. But if you see that you can do this gradually, lengthening it a little at a time, that is good. Otherwise, you are commanded to apply the Sunnah. If someone misses the congregation, he has no excuse. However, if a man misses the prayer behind Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him), that is for an excuse, for in some narrations, Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) began reciting Surat al-Baqarah, which is a lengthening.