What is the prescribed manner of recitation (Qira'ah) for the group waiting to guard while the Imam prays with the first group?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
It is desirable for the Imam to keep the prayer brief, and the group completing their prayer individually should recite a short Surah. When the first group stands with the Imam, they should recite one Rak'ah, complete the second Rak'ah individually by reciting Al-Fatiha and a Surah, and then guard. When the second group arrives, the Imam leads them in one Rak'ah, and they complete the second Rak'ah individually, reciting Al-Fatiha and a Surah. The Imam prolongs the Tashahhud until they complete it, and then concludes the prayer with both groups.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i, in one of his two opinions, held that the waiting group should omit recitation while waiting for the Imam's return, postponing it until they join the second group, to equalize the recitation between the two groups. This is refuted because the standing posture requires recitation, similar to how one recites Tashahhud while waiting, not remaining silent. Furthermore, balancing the groups can be achieved through waiting in the standing posture, which is the preferred spot for recitation.