Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta was asked about the ruling on an imam prolonging Ruku, or bowing, while waiting for someone who wants to join the congregational prayer and catch the current unit.

The question described a situation in which an imam hears someone approaching while he is bowing and waits for a short period so that the person can join before he rises from Ruku.

Dar Al-Ifta explained that it is permissible for the imam to prolong Ruku while waiting for someone who wants to join the prayer, provided that the other worshippers are not harmed or inconvenienced by the prolongation.

It also clarified that if the imam does not wait and raises himself from Ruku normally, there is no blame upon him. The matter allows room for difference because Muslim scholars have held different opinions on the issue.

Is It Permissible to Prolong Ruku for Someone Entering the Prayer?

According to Dar Al-Ifta, an imam may prolong the bowing position for a short period to allow someone entering the prayer to catch the unit, as long as this does not cause hardship or harm to those already praying behind him.

The imam should therefore consider the circumstances of the congregation and avoid unnecessary or excessive prolongation.

Does the Imam Have to Wait for Someone to Catch the Ruku?

No. Waiting is not an obligation upon the imam.

If he continues the prayer and rises from Ruku without waiting for the person entering, there is no sin upon him. The ruling is based on a matter in which scholars have differed.

What Are the Conditions for Waiting in Ruku?

The permissibility of waiting is connected to several considerations, most importantly avoiding harm or excessive hardship for the congregation.

The Worshippers Should Not Be Harmed

The imam should take into account the people praying behind him. If prolonging Ruku would cause significant difficulty, fatigue, or harm to the congregation, he should not prolong it for the person entering.

The Waiting Should Not Be Excessive

The imam should not turn the normal prayer into an unnecessarily long pause. The purpose is simply to give the approaching worshipper a reasonable opportunity to join.

The Intention Should Be Proper

Where waiting is practiced, the purpose should be to assist someone in joining the congregational prayer and seeking the reward of helping another worshipper, rather than showing favoritism toward a particular person.

What Did Muslim Scholars Say About Prolonging Ruku?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that scholars differed over this issue.

Some jurists considered prolonging Ruku for someone entering the prayer disliked in certain circumstances, while other scholars considered waiting permissible or recommended under specific conditions.

This difference of opinion means that the matter should not become a source of unnecessary dispute among worshippers.

What If the Imam Does Not Wait?

There is no problem if the imam does not wait.

An imam may complete the prayer according to its normal pace without deliberately prolonging Ruku for someone who is trying to catch the unit.

Therefore, a person who arrives late should not blame the imam if the imam raises from Ruku before they are able to join.

What If Waiting Causes Hardship for the Congregation?

If the imam knows that prolonging Ruku will negatively affect the people praying behind him, he should not wait.

The purpose of congregational prayer is not to create hardship for those already present in order to accommodate someone who has just arrived.

Maintaining the appropriate pace of prayer and considering the condition of the congregation remain important considerations.

The Ruling in Brief

Dar Al-Ifta concludes that an imam may prolong Ruku while waiting for someone who wants to join the prayer, provided that the worshippers are not harmed by the prolongation.

At the same time, if the imam chooses not to wait, there is no blame upon him.

The issue is one of legitimate scholarly disagreement, so the matter should be approached with understanding and without unnecessary conflict.

Can an imam prolong Ruku so someone can catch the prayer?

Yes. It is permissible as long as the prolongation does not cause harm or significant hardship to the congregation.

Is the imam required to wait?

No. The imam is not required to wait for someone entering the prayer.

What if waiting makes the prayer too long?

The imam should avoid prolonging the prayer if doing so would cause hardship or harm to the worshippers.

Is there scholarly disagreement about this issue?

Yes. Muslim jurists have differed over the ruling, with some permitting or recommending waiting under conditions and others considering it disliked in certain circumstances.

What should the imam do if the congregation may be harmed?

He may raise from Ruku normally and continue the prayer without waiting, and there is no blame upon him