𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (43)

Should the Imam Wait for Latecomers? Question: Has it been confirmed that the imam waits for someone entering the masjid by lengthening his rukūʿ so they can catch the rakʿah? Sheikh Sa’d Khathlān ḥafidhahullāh: I do not know of anything authentically reported about this from the Prophet ﷺ. However, some of the fuqahā' have mentioned it. They said that if the imam notices someone who arrived late entering the prayer, it is recommended for him to wait a little so that person can catch the rakʿah—so long as it does not cause hardship for those praying behind him. If it would make things difficult for those behind him, then their consideration comes first. The followers praying behind the imam deserve more consideration than the latecomer who has already missed part of the prayer. So the correct approach in this matter is that the imam may wait briefly for the latecomer, as long as it does not cause difficulty for those praying behind him. Source: https://t.me/madrasatuna/5869