What is the ruling on the Imam dividing his followers into two groups during a four-Rak'ah prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
If the Imam divides the congregation into two groups, praying three Rak'ahs with the first group and one with the second, or vice versa (one with the first and three with the second), the prayer is valid. This is because the Imam only waits for two necessary waiting periods, which the Law has sanctioned with similar occurrences.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i agrees with the validity but mandates a prostration of forgetfulness (Sujud As-Sahw). This is rejected because there is no forgetfulness (Sahw) present. Even if the waiting were done forgetfully, it would not necessitate prostration since intentionally omitting it does not invalidate the prayer, analogous to raising or omitting raising hands in the wrong or correct places.