Is it required to equalize the performance of the two groups in Salat al-Khawf?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
Equality between the two groups is not obligatory, as no explicit text or sound analogy necessitates it. The group guarding the enemy must consist of those trusted for their capability and vigilance. If there is a fear that the guarding group's situation might deteriorate and they require assistance, the Imam may advance with his current group to support them, and they should continue their prayer from where they left off.
Supporting text
The description of the prayer according to Abu Hanifa, which involves each group praying only one Rak'ah with the Imam and then completing the remainder individually after complex rotations and waiting periods, is permissible based on a narration from Ibn Umar. However, this method is considered inferior because it contradicts the comprehensive participation implied by Quran 4:102 and introduces unnecessary complexity and extended separation that conflicts with the facilitation inherent in Khawf prayer.