What are the rulings for one who joins the prayer late (al-masbooq), specifically concerning following the Imam when rising from prostration or bowing, and should he wait for the Imam, and what should al-masbooq say when the Imam recites "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah"?
If a latecomer (masbuq) says "Allahu Akbar" while the Imam is prostrating, and then the Imam rises before the latecomer prostrates, the latecomer should follow the Imam and not prostrate. Similarly, if the latecomer says "Allahu Akbar" for bowing (ruku'), and the Imam rises from bowing before him, the latecomer should follow the Imam and not bow. There is no blame on him for unintentional precedence. If the latecomer strongly believes he can catch the Imam in his bowing, it is forbidden for him to delay the takbirat al-intiqal (transitioning takbir). If he is in doubt, it is recommended for him to delay it. However, if he finds the Imam prostrating, it is disliked to delay the takbirat al-intiqal, and some say it is forbidden if he knows it is the last rak'ah (unit of prayer) or if he doubts it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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