Method for a Latecomer (Masbūq) to Join Congregational Prayer
Source: Fatawa ‘Ilmiyyah, Vol. 1, Kitab al-Salah, p. 279
Question:
When a follower joins the congregational prayer after the Takbir al-Tahrimah has been said and before the Imam’s salam, how should he join?
Should he say the Takbir, raise his hands, fold them, and stand in the posture of Qiyam following the Imam whether he is in Qiyam or in another position (Ruku‘, Sujud, Tashahhud)?
Or should he directly follow the Imam’s current posture?
(Asked by: Muhammad Siddiq, Abbottabad)
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Alhamdulillah, wa-s-salatu wa-s-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba‘d:
A Masbūq (one who joins late) should follow these steps:
① Say Takbir al-Tahrimah
First, say “Allahu Akbar” to enter the prayer.
② If the Imam is in Qiyam
If the Imam is standing before Ruku‘:
◈ Fold your hands on the chest.
◈ Recite Surah al-Fatihah quietly in your heart.
③ If the Imam is in another position (Ruku‘, Sujud, Tashahhud, etc.)
If the Imam is:
— In Ruku‘
— In Sujud
— In Tashahhud
then join him directly in that position while saying Takbir, without folding the hands to stand first.
Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"الإِمَامُ ضَامِنٌ ، فَمَا صَنَعَ فَاصْنَعُوا"
“The Imam is appointed to be followed, so do as he does.”
(Sunan al-Daraqutni, 1/22, Hadith 1214 – Hasan chain)
Supporting Report:
Narrations from Abu Bakr (RA) also confirm this method.
Two Important Benefits
Benefit 1:
Abu Hatim al-Razi (رحمه الله) said about this Hadith:
"This is a confirmation for the one who holds the view of recitation behind the Imam."
(Al-Daraqutni)
This shows he considered the Hadith authentic and used it as proof.
Benefit 2:
If the Imam does something against the Qur’an and Sunnah, such as:
◈ Abandoning Raf‘ al-Yadayn
◈ Dropping the hands before Ruku‘
then one must not follow him in such actions.
Evidence:
"لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ"
“There is no obedience to the created in disobedience to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.”
(Shahadat, April 2004)
Conclusion:
A Masbūq joins the Imam in his current position immediately after saying Takbir al-Tahrimah and follows him exactly, without unnecessary delay.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
