Correct Method for Latecomer Joining Imam in Ruku‘

Correct Method for a Latecomer Who Finds the Imam in Ruku‘


Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam

❖ Question​

When a follower (muqtadi) finds the Imam in the bowing position (ruku‘), what should he do?
Is he required to say two takbirs?

❖ Answer​

Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba’d!

1. Saying Takbir and Joining the Ruku‘​

• The follower should say Takbir al-Tahrimah (opening takbir) and then immediately join the ruku‘.
• Saying an additional takbir for going into ruku‘ is Sunnah, not obligatory.
• If one says it, it is better; if not, there is no harm.

2. When the Rak‘ah Will Count​

① First Case:

• If the follower is certain that he joined the ruku‘ before the Imam raised his head:
  
  • The rak‘ah will count.
  • Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah will be waived for him.[1]

② Second Case:

• If he is certain that the Imam had already raised his head before he reached ruku‘:
  
  • That rak‘ah will not count.
  • He must make it up later.

③ Third Case (Doubt):

• If he is unsure whether he caught the Imam in ruku‘:
  
  • He should act on what he thinks most likely.
  • If he thinks he caught the ruku‘, the rak‘ah counts.
  • If he thinks he missed it, the rak‘ah does not count.
  • If part of the prayer remains, he should perform sujood al-sahw after completing it.
  • If the first rak‘ah is doubtful but he thinks he caught it, no sujood al-sahw is required because the prayer is tied to the Imam’s lead.

④ Fourth Case (No Predominant Assumption):

• If he cannot prefer one side over the other:
  
  • He acts on certainty — that is, he did not catch the ruku‘.
  • The rak‘ah will be considered missed and must be made up.
  • Sujood al-sahw should be done before the taslim.

3. Avoiding Non-Shari‘ah Actions​

• Some people, on seeing the Imam in ruku‘, cough loudly, say:
  ﴿اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِيْنَ﴾
  or stamp their feet to signal others.
• These acts are against the Sunnah and can disturb the Imam and others.

4. Avoiding Hurry and Running​

• Some people rush into the mosque when the Imam is in ruku‘.
• The Prophet ﷺ forbade this:

«إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ الْإِقَامَةَ فَامْشُوا إِلَی الصَّلَاةِ وَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّكِينَةِ وَالْوَقَارِ وَلَا تُسْرِعُوا فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ فَصَلُّوا وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوا»
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 636; Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 602)
“When you hear the iqamah, proceed to the prayer with calmness and dignity; do not rush. Pray whatever you catch, and complete what you miss.”

5. Difference of Opinion on Rak‘ah Counting for “Madrik al-Ruku‘”​

[1] Scholars have differed on whether the rak‘ah counts if the follower catches the Imam in ruku‘.

• The stronger opinion is that it does not count unless the follower catches the Imam in qiyam (standing) and has time to recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
• The principle “No prayer without Surah Al-Fatihah” is supported by clear and strong evidence.

Conclusion:

• Join the Imam in whatever position he is in.
• The rak‘ah will count only if you join during qiyam with enough time to recite Al-Fatihah.

ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب