Lengthening the recitation out of anger and irritation

Question

The imam is ill-humoured by temperament. Sometimes, when displeased, he lengthens the recitation (qira’a) so much that the followers, feeling hardship, begin to intend to break off the prayer and leave. How is this action of the imam?

Answer

Lengthening the recitation because of some irritation or displeasure is wrong; one should not do so. The condition of the followers must be taken into account, for among them there are people of every kind — the old, the weak, the sick. Taking this into account, the Shari‘a has prescribed recitation of tiwal, awsat and qisar (long, medium and short suras).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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