How can the discrepancy be resolved between Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen's fatwa (religious edict) necessitating that a latecomer to prayer (masbuq) complete the final tashahhud (which is not the final one for him) or repeat the first tashahhud, and another fatwa of yours stating that this is not obligatory and that it suffices for the worshipper to remain silent until the imam concludes the prayer with the taslim, after which the worshipper completes his prayer?

The Hanbalis held that it is not prescribed for a latecomer (masbuq) to complete the Tashahhud. Rather, he should repeat the first Tashahhud commendably until the Imam finishes the prayer, because it is not the place for completing the Tashahhud. In contrast, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen opted for the permissibility of the latecomer completing the Tashahhud, and this is a well-reasoned opinion supported by the permissibility of sending blessings upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in the first Tashahhud. This issue is among matters of ijtihad (independent reasoning), and there is no blame on the scholar for giving preference to an opinion, nor on the common person for following one.