The Criterion for Cutting Off a Voluntary Prayer When the Second Call to Prayer Is Made

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the criterion for entering the mosque when the second call to prayer has been made? Does one cut off the prayer or complete it? And how does one cut off the prayer in general?

Answer:
If the second call to prayer is made and a person is in a voluntary prayer, such as the greeting of the mosque or any other voluntary prayer, there is a difference of opinion among some scholars. Some say he should cut it off in all cases.
They act on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): This covers entering a voluntary prayer after the second call to prayer. It also covers continuing in it, whether one entered it before the second call to prayer or after.
The second opinion is that he should complete it briefly, and it is not permissible to enter a voluntary prayer at the time of the second call to prayer or after it; this is by consensus, and it would not be valid. However, if the second call is made while he is already in it, they say he should complete it briefly and join the congregation, and not cut it off, because Allah the Exalted says: The third opinion is that if he is in the last part of the prayer, he should complete it, but if he is in the first part and it will take up his time, he should cut it off. Perhaps this opinion is the best. Yes.