If the congregational prayer ends in the mosque, is it permissible to follow someone who is praying a voluntary prayer?

The questioner : May I ask another question, Shaykh? Yes. Regarding the case where I arrive at the mosque late, for example, and I miss the obligatory prayer, and I am praying a voluntary prayer until someone comes to lead the congregation. So, while I was praying the voluntary prayer, someone came to the mosque and followed me in the prayer. He followed me in the obligatory prayer. So, when I finished my voluntary prayer, is it permissible for me to follow him in the obligatory prayer, or what should I do?

The Shaykh : He prayed with you, yes, he is the one who established the congregation.

The questioner : He prayed, I was praying a voluntary prayer and I had not prayed the obligatory prayer. I had not prayed the obligatory prayer, so I was waiting for someone to come so I could pray the obligatory prayer with him, but no one came. So I prayed a voluntary prayer first; I prayed the Sunnah first. Then a person came during the Sunnah prayer and prayed with me, intending the obligatory prayer for himself. So I finished my two rak'ahs, and he completed his prayer. As for me, I have not prayed the obligatory prayer. What should I do in this regard? Is it permissible for me to follow him as an imam?

The Shaykh : Pray the obligatory prayer after that.

The questioner : Do I pray alone, or is it permissible for me to pray?

The Shaykh : I will give you the best option.

The questioner : Excuse me, Shaykh Muhammad, I did not hear the voice.

The Shaykh : I say it is better for you to pray alone.

The questioner : It is better to pray alone; it is not permissible for me to follow him.

The Shaykh : It is not that it is not permissible; I told you it is better.

The questioner : Yes.

The presenter : Okay, may Allah reward you with good. We have a call with us.

The Shaykh : Thank you very much.