Following the Sunnah!

Abu Mas’ud Uqbah bin Amr Al-Badri (RA) reported: A man came to the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said; “I join the morning Salaat late because of so-and-so who leads it and prolongs it.” (Abu Mas’ud said); I have never seen the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so angry while giving a speech as he was on that day. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,”Some of you create hatred among the people against faith. Whoever leads Salaat, should make it brief (while still following the etiquette’s and requisites of Salaat) because the congregation includes old men and youngsters and those who have some urgent work to do.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Note: First, there is allowance for a genuine complaint regarding some public inconvenience. Second, a believer is supposed to be passionately uncompromising on religious precepts. Third, the Imam (leader) should refrain from prolonging Salaat and be considerate of the congregation standing behind him. But a brief recitation of the Quran or prayer does not imply a disregard of the example of the Prophet and the adjustment of different postures in Salaat. In no way should it be a haste and heedless Salaat as unfortunately offered by majority of men. They have little regard for the example of the Prophet in offering Salaat. What a pity! Fourth, one may be exempted from offering congregational Salaat for a valid religious excuse. Fifth, the Imam should eschew an attitude which may foment people’s aversion to worship.