Meaning of stopping following the Imam and offering Salah individually

Q: What is meant by Niyet-ul-Mufaraka (intention of leaving the Imam), i.e. stopping following the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) and praying individually? What are its pertinent cases in which it is permissible? Please, present your direction and advice regarding this.

A: Niyet-ul-Mufaraka or praying individually refers to the case when the person praying starts Salah with the Imam, then intends leaving him to complete it alone. This is permissible if there is an excuse, such as the Imam's unusual prolonging of his Salah in a way that causes difficulty to the diseased or the elderly or for those who fear the loss of their money or anything that invalidates the Salah. This is due to what is narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: Mu`adh used to offer `Isha' (Night) Prayer with the Prophet and then go to lead his people in prayer. Once he led the people in prayer and recited Surat-al-Baqara. A man left (the row of the praying people) and offered (light) prayer (separately) and went away. When Mu'adh came to know about it, he said. "He (that man) is a hypocrite. When the man heard that, he said: I am not a hypocrite, so he came to the Prophet and told him of what happened, whereupon the Prophet (peace be upon him) called Mu'adh and said twice, "O Mu'adh! You are putting the people to trials? O Mu'adh! You are putting the people to trials? Recite Surah such-and-such. He said: "And surahs of Al-Burooj, Al-Lail (By the night as it envelops), (Part No. 6; Page No. 313) Al-Tariq (By the heaven, and At-Tariq (the night-comer, i.e. the bright star) and Al-Ghashiya (Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not order that man to repeat his Salah or disapprove of what he did. This indicates the permissibility of the Ma'mum leaving the Imam for an excuse as mentioned. Yet, if the Ma'mum left the congregation with no excuse or need, this is not permissible and his Salah is Batil (null and void).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.