Is it considered Sunnah to wait for worshippers to finish greeting the mosque before performing the prayer? Is it Sunnah from the Prophet to delay the Iqamah so that everyone can pray the Sunnah prayers? Is it Sunnah to wait for the late Imam without an excuse? Is it Sunnah to wait for the congregation for every prayer? And does this delay not cause hardship for the worshippers?

The general principle is to initiate the performance of prayer at the beginning of its time, unless there is evidence indicating a delay. Exceptions to immediate performance include the Isha (night) prayer and the Dhuhr (noon) prayer – in intense heat. Waiting for worshippers to perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid (mosque greeting prayer), regular Sunnah prayers, or other supererogatory prayers is permissible, as long as it does not result in hardship for those waiting for the prayer. Performing the regular Sunnah prayers before the congregational prayer does not contradict promptness. The Imam's delay for the mentioned duration is permissible, considering the command to delay the Iqama (call to commence prayer) enough for a person to attend to their needs. Waiting for specific individuals other than the Imam has no evidence to support its permissibility. However, if they are people of knowledge and virtue, or those keen on attending the congregation, then it is preferable to wait for them, provided that no hardship results from such waiting. The Imam, the Muezzin, and the mosque community should maintain mutual respect, cooperation, and avoid anything that leads to discord.