The point established by this narration is the Prophet’s ﷺ anger at the act committed by that imam. It also hints that the Messenger ﷺ would become angry in his admonitions whenever the sanctities of Allah were violated. Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “When the Prophet ﷺ delivered the Friday sermon, his eyes would redden, his voice would rise, and his anger would intensify, so that he seemed like a warner of an approaching army, crying out, ‘Morning has come upon you! Evening has come upon you!’”
He then said ﷺ, “Whoever among you leads the people in prayer, let him keep it short,” meaning that he should lighten the prayer in accordance with the Sunnah. “For among them are the weak, the elderly, and those with needs.” That is, within the congregation are people of frail eyesight or frail strength, the sick, and those who have pressing concerns—someone may have promised to meet another person, be waiting for someone, and the like. Therefore, it is impermissible for the imam to burden the worshippers with anything beyond what the Sunnah prescribes.
As for leading them precisely as the Sunnah dictates, he should do so, no matter who is displeased or who is satisfied. Whoever is not pleased with the Sunnah—may Allah not be pleased with him. The Sunnah is to be followed; whatever goes beyond it is not.
In this matter imams fall into three categories:
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A negligent imam who rushes so quickly that the congregation cannot perform the recommended acts. Such a person is mistaken, sinful, and has not fulfilled the trust placed upon him.
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An excessive imam who goes to the other extreme, prolonging the prayer as though he were praying alone; you find him lengthening