Is it permissible for a traveler who intended to combine and shorten prayers (qasr) to consider the rak'ah he caught with a congregation, of which he does not know whether they are praying Maghrib or 'Isha, as the intention for Maghrib, and then complete his prayer? And is it permissible for him to pray 'Isha alone with four rak'ahs, fearing the loss of tranquility (ṭuma'nīnah) if he finds a congregation and does not know whether they are praying Maghrib or 'Isha?
Performing the Maghrib prayer with a congregation praying Isha is valid, as the difference in intention does not invalidate it according to some scholars. As for abandoning prayer with a congregation whose imam rushes, if the rushing compromises the obligatory tranquility (ṭumaʾnīnah), then you were correct in not praying with them. Otherwise, you were mistaken, and you missed the virtue of congregational prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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