the first group follows the Imam after his taslim, and it is not permitted for the follower to be a follower in a rak'ah that he performs after his Imam has performed the taslim. As for caution in battle, one is capable of striking, stabbing, and inciting, as well as informing others of what one sees regarding hidden enemy movements, warning them, and informing those who are with the Imam of what occurs. This is not possible according to their view. Furthermore, the foundation of the Prayer of Fear is based on lightening the burden, as they are in a situation where there is a need for it. According to their view, the prayer becomes many times longer than it would be in a state of security, because each group needs to proceed to the place of prayer, return to face the enemy, and wait for the other group to go and return. So, assuming that there is half a mile between the two locations, each group needs to walk a mile, and wait for the other for the duration of a mile's walk while they are in the prayer. Then they need the obligation of returning to the place of prayer to complete the prayer without any need for it or any benefit related to it. If a person in a state of security required such hardship in congregational prayer, it would be dropped from him; so how can the one in fear be burdened with this, while he is in a situation where lightening the burden and kindness towards him are expected? As for separating from the Imam, it is permitted for an excuse and is inevitable according to both schools of thought, for they permitted the first group to separate from the Imam and go to face the enemy, and this is greater than what we have mentioned, for it has no parallel in the Sharia, nor is its like found in any other place.

Section: If he leads them in prayer according to the school of Abu Hanifah, it is permissible. Ahmad explicitly stated this, but he would be abandoning that which is more appropriate and better. Ibn Jarir and some of the followers of Al-Shafi'i held this view.

Section: Equality between the two groups is not required, as there is no text or analogy regarding that. It is required that the group positioned facing the enemy be those whose adequacy and vigilance can be trusted. Whenever it is feared that their condition might become compromised and their aid is needed by the other group, the Imam may proceed towards them with those who are with him, and they build upon what has passed of their prayer.

Section: If they perform the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer as the Prayer of Fear, it is permissible, provided that each group consists of forty people.