the people in prayer, let him keep it brief; but if he prays alone, let him lengthen it as much as he wishes.” (1) For when he is leading the prayer, he is a guardian; whereas when he prays alone, he is in charge of himself.

Accordingly, we also say: it is not permissible for an imam to pray at such a pace that prevents the congregants from performing what is obligatory; and it is disliked for him to pray at such a pace that prevents them from performing what is recommended. Indeed, there would be grounds for saying that it is forbidden for him to depart from the sunnah, especially when we know that the congregants wish to observe it. For example, if he wishes to pray Fajr using the shorter surahs of al-Mufassal, the madhhab holds this to be permissible. Yet there would be grounds for saying that it is not permissible, because it is contrary to the sunnah. The principle is that whoever acts on behalf of another must do what is most beneficial.

His statement, “in the manner most beneficial,” excludes that in which there is no benefit whatsoever, as well as that in which there is some benefit but another course would be more beneficial.

Thus, there are three categories:

First: a course that has some benefit, but another is more beneficial.

Second: a course that has no benefit whatsoever.

Third: a course of action that is the most beneficial.

What must be followed is the most beneficial course, based on the noble verse: “And do not approach the property of the orphan except in the way that is best.” [al-An‘am: 152] Let us give an example of each.