and to keep it of medium length in the remaining three obligatory prayers.
Yet on occasion he would deviate from his habit, shortening what is normally lengthened to demonstrate its permissibility and for other pedagogical reasons. This is why, in the report under discussion, he recited Sūrat al-Ṭūr during maghrib even though it belongs to the long sūrahs of al-mufaṣṣal.

Legal rulings derived from the hadith:

1. The prescribed practice is to recite aloud in the maghrib prayer.
2. It is permissible to lengthen the recitation in that prayer.

Hadith 4
Al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ﷺ was on a journey, and when he led the last night prayer (ʿishāʾ) he recited in one of the two rakʿahs “By the fig and the olive” (Sūrat al-Tīn). I have never heard anyone whose voice or recitation was more beautiful than his.

Overall meaning:
Sūrat al-Tīn is one of the short sūrahs of al-mufaṣṣal that are normally recited in maghrib. The Prophet ﷺ recited it during ʿishāʾ because he was traveling, and travel calls for leniency and ease due to its hardship and fatigue; for this reason it is recommended to shorten the four-rakʿah prayers while on the road. Even so, the Prophet ﷺ did not abandon what stirs humility and summons the heart to listen to the Quran—namely, beautifying one’s voice in the prayer.

Legal rulings derived from the hadith:

1. It is permissible to recite from the short sūrahs of al-mufaṣṣal in the ʿishāʾ prayer.
2. While traveling, it is preferable to lighten the prayer and take the condition of the travelers into account, even if the imam himself would like to lengthen it.
3. It is recommended to beautify one’s voice when reciting—even in prayer—for this promotes reverence and presence of heart.