<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br> 1) The Imam has to be considerate of his fellow worshipers’ conditions and lead them in prayer in a manner that is convenient to the weakest thereof.<br> 2) Shortening the prayer is of two kinds: permanent shortening that conforms to the guidance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and temporary shortening, which is to shorten the prayer more than in the first kind when there is a need that calls to it, like the crying of a baby while its mother is praying.<br> Note:<br> Valid shortening of the prayer is that which conforms to the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) not to people’s inclinations. There are Hadiths reported on the length of the recitation of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), like reciting Surat al-Sajdah and Surat al-Insān in Fajr prayer on Friday. He also ordered Mu‘ādh (may Allah be pleased with him) to recite Surat al-A‘la and Surat al-Ghāshiyah. Thus, shortening the prayer is not about reciting a few verses and performing the actions of the prayer quickly, rather it is to comply with the prophetic guidance in shortening it.