Is it permissible for someone who has been preceded [in prayer] to lead the prayer?

The latecomer (masbuq) who did not catch a complete rak'ah with its two prostrations is, according to most scholars, in the same position as someone praying alone. Therefore, his imamate (leading prayer) is valid, based on the premise that he began his prayer individually. As for the latecomer who did catch a rak'ah with the Imam, his imamate is not valid according to the majority of scholars. However, the Hanbalis and Shafi'is hold the view that his imamate is valid, and this is the more preponderant opinion.