Question:
When leading night prayer (8 rak’ah) in congregation, can each rak’ah be lengthened to 15–20 minutes?
Answer:
Some object and cite Bukhari 702: A man complained that an imam lengthened prayer so much that he avoided attending Fajr in congregation. The Prophetﷺ ﷺ became angry and said: “Those who lead people should shorten the prayer, for among them are weak, elderly, and people with needs.” So, is it wrong to lengthen night prayer?
Explanation
General rule: When leading mixed congregations (weak, elderly, busy people), shorten the prayer. However:
Night prayer (Taraweeh) is not obligatory.
Congregational Taraweeh is allowed but not compulsory.
If a group agrees: “We will pray longer, 15 minutes per rak’ah, total 2 hours.”
And only those willing join — Then it is permissible. Because the Prophetﷺ prohibited lengthening when it harms weak people.
If no weak, elderly, or busy people are forced — And participants agree willingly —It is like praying individually, but in a group.
So, General congregation (mixed public) → shorten.
Voluntary group with agreement → lengthening allowed.