Is the latecomer (to prayer) required to perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sujood al-sahw) if he was unable to recite Al-Fatihah or the Tashahhud due to the Imam's speed, given that he did not join the prayer from its beginning?
If the Imam's speed compromises the pillars of the prayer, such as Al-Fatiha, then prayer behind him is not valid. However, if it does not compromise the pillars, then your prayer is valid, even if you do not complete Al-Fatiha or the final Tashahhud with him. This is because Al-Fatiha is waived for the congregant according to the majority of scholars, and because the final Tashahhud is not a pillar according to some. As for the first Tashahhud, the Imam bears it on your behalf because it is a Sunnah according to most scholars.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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