When should I separate myself if I join the Imam while being late? If I separate during the second unit with the Imam, does that exempt me from separating during the fourth unit (since the one joining the Imam is in the third)? Or must I separate during the Tashahhud and the second unit as well with the Imam? And if I am in the second unit and the Imam is in the fourth, should I separate?
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):
If the follower joins the Imam in the second unit, they should perform the recitation in it, which counts as their first prayer. They should follow the Imam in sitting for the Tashahhud, separating themselves as a precaution. It is recommended to follow him in the Qunoot and Tashahhud. If they are in the Imam's third unit, they should sit for the Tashahhud, fulfilling only the obligatory part without delay, then they can join the Imam. This applies to every obligation they have that is not with the Imam. It is preferable for them to follow the Imam in sitting, separating for the Tashahhud until the Imam concludes, then they can stand for the fourth unit. They may also stand after the second prostration of the Imam's fourth unit, which is their third, and complete their prayer.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Rules of Congregational Prayer, M 823
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):
If the follower joins in the second unit, it is recommended to recite the Qunoot and Tashahhud with the Imam, and it is obligatory to separate during the Imam's Tashahhud, then rise with him.
In the Imam's last unit, the follower may stand up immediately after raising their head from the second prostration.
Source: Fiqh al-Wali: Rules of Congregational Prayer (3)
May you be successful in all good.