The Sahaabi, Hadhrat Uthmaan Bin Abil Aas (Radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sent him to be the Imaam of Banu Thaqeef, the last naseehat (advice) of Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was: 

“O Uthmaan! Shorten the Salaat. Gauge people (the Muqtadis) on the basis of their weak ones because among them are the old, the young,  the weak and those in need.”

In the narration recorded by Imaam Ahmad Bin Hambal (Rahmatullah alayh), the following is also mentioned:

“You are their Imaam. Consider the weak ones among them, and appoint such a Muath-thin who will not accept wages for his Athaan.” 

Imaams are supposed to observe this Sunnah. Although there are specific sized Surahs which are Masnoon for the various Salaat, the Imaam should understand which Sunnah to adhere when he leads a jamaa’t consisting of old, weak, sick and such persons who have to make haste to get to their work. It is Sunnah for the Imaam to shorten his Qir’aat.

This shortening advised by Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) applies to the Qiraa’t. It is not Sunnah to omit any Masnoon acts of the Salaat. On the contrary, it is Makrooh and forbidden to omit the Masnoon acts. The advice which some moron muftis give during Ramadhan for shortening the Salaat is evil and haraam. It is not permissible to omit Thana, the Durood and Dua after At-Tahiyaat in the last raka’t of every two raka’t of Taraaweeh. This practice is abominable and not permissible.

12 Sha’baan 1440 - 18 April 2024