Does the latecomer prostrate for forgetfulness with the imam?
Short answer
If the imam prostrates before the salam the latecomer prostrates with him; if the prostration is after the salam, it is considered whether the cause of forgetfulness occurred after the latecomer joined or before.
Evidence and explanation
The Shaykh distinguished between the imam's prostration before the salam and after it, and between the cause of forgetfulness occurring before or after the latecomer joined.
Scholar referenced
This editorial summary is based on the original source linked below and is not presented as a verbatim quotation from the scholar.
From the text of the answer (Arabic, with an English translation)
Original answer — Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymin
مسبوق هل يسجد مع الإمام سجود السهو — محتوى ٣٤٤٦- Question
«أنا دخلت مع الإمام في الصلاة بعد التشهد الثاني وبعد سجدة السهو وأنا لا أعلم أنه نسي، أو قام، أو جلس فهل أسجد معه، أو أثبت مكاني؟ الشيخ: أنت مسبوق أو مع الإمام؟ السائل: لا، مسبوق. الشيخ: دخلت معه بعد التشهد الثاني يعني في الركعة الثالثة وسها الإمام. السائل: سها الإمام في الركعة الأولى. الشيخ: وسجد بعد السلام أو»
English translation (unreviewed): I entered the prayer with the imam after the second tashahhud and after the prostration of forgetfulness, and I do not know whether he forgot, or stood, or sat; should I prostrate with him or stay in my place? — The Shaykh: Are you a latecomer or with the imam? — The questioner: No, a latecomer. — The Shaykh: You entered with him after the second tashahhud, meaning in the third rak'ah, and the imam forgot. — The questioner: The imam forgot in the first rak'ah. — The Shaykh: And he prostrated after the salam or ...
(excerpt from the question)
- From the text of the answer
«إن سجد قبل السلام فاسجد معه ولابد، إذا سجد الإمام قبل السلام اسجد معه على كل حال، فإن سجد بعد السلام؛ فإن كان السهو الذي حصل منه قبل أن تدخل معه فلا سجود عليك، وإن كان بعده فإنك إذا قضيت صلاتك تسجد للسهو.»
English translation (unreviewed): If he prostrates before the salam, prostrate with him, necessarily. If the imam prostrates before the salam, prostrate with him in every case. If he prostrates after the salam: if the forgetfulness that occurred was before you joined him, there is no prostration on you; and if it was after, then when you complete your prayer you prostrate for forgetfulness.
The Arabic excerpts matched the original page word for word by an automated check and have not had human scholarly review. The English translations are unreviewed translations made for this site; they are not an approved Shari‘ah translation. Rely on the Arabic original.
Source
A latecomer: does he prostrate for forgetfulness with the imam?
Title of the original page (Arabic): مسبوق هل يسجد مع الإمام سجود السهو
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy on him