The Imam’s Alert When a Latecomer Enters While Bowing

Question:
A situation arises where the Imam is alerted that someone is coming and wants to catch up with the rak'ah. Some people say, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient," while others clear their throats, and some make some kind of sound. What is your opinion on this, and is there any blame on the Imam if he prolongs the bowing?

Answer:
The best course in this matter is for the Imam, if he senses that someone is entering, not to rush so that the person can catch up with the bowing. This is because, according to the correct view, the rak'ah is secured by catching up with the bowing. The scholars hold that if a person catches up with the bowing, he has caught up with the rak'ah. He is excused regarding the recitation of al-Fatihah because he missed the standing in which the recitation of al-Fatihah takes place. Thus, he is excused for not reciting it, as its place and the standing for it have passed, according to the view of a group of scholars, while others differ. If the prayer is performed with the hands, it is blessed and sufficient, and this is correct according to the scholars' request. Therefore, if the Imam hears the movement of the person entering, the best for him is not to rush, as prolonging the bowing in the Sunnah indicates this. However, he should not prolong it to the point of causing hardship for the people; he should only add a little, without causing hardship. The person entering can recite the rak'ah; this is the best. As for a person clearing his throat or saying, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient," or something similar, I do not know any basis for this. In my opinion, it is better not to do that; in my opinion, and the closest to the truth, it is better not to do that, because it is not permissible for anyone to make a sound in the prayer unless permitted. The believer should walk at a normal pace until he enters the row. If he catches up with the recitation of al-Fatihah, he completes it. May Allah reward you with good. They have the appearance of busyness and tranquility; he may prostrate on the path if he settles down. The meaning is that the believer, when entering, prostrates, and when present, he does not rush. Rather, he walks at a normal pace. Then, when he reaches the row, he says the takbir, bows with the people, prostrates with the prostrators, and does not change anything or rush. You have gone and have not returned to what is still upon us, or to clearing the throat, or even to informing the Imam of this. May Allah not weaken it, if He wills, or not.