What is better: to catch the final Tashahhud with the first congregation, or to wait for a new congregation with those performing ablution or with friends to obtain the full reward of congregational prayer?

Scholars have differed regarding one who misses the first congregational prayer but catches its end: whether he should join it or wait for another congregation. The more preponderant view is that if he catches less than a rak'ah, it is better for him to wait for the second congregation to pray a complete prayer with them. This difference of opinion is based on whether the virtue of congregational prayer is attained by catching less than a rak'ah. The madhhab of Abu Hanifa holds that it is attained thereby, whereas the madhhabs of Malik, Shafi'i, and Ahmad hold that it is not attained except by catching a rak'ah. This latter view is more evident due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whoever catches a rak'ah of the prayer has caught the prayer."