The ruling on a traveler shortening his prayer when he joins a resident imam

Question:
This questioner says: I was traveling and the time for the 'Asr prayer came upon me. While I was entering the mosque, I found the imam in the first tashahhud, so I joined him with the intention of shortening the 'Asr prayer to two rak'ahs. When he finished the prayer, I finished it with him. After that, one of the people told me that this is not permissible and that it is necessary to complete the prayer with four rak'ahs. I ask for your guidance.

Answer:
Yes, that is correct. Whoever joins the imam who is praying the full prayer must complete it, even if he only catches the last part of the prayer. Whoever prays with the imam who is praying the full prayer is required to complete it, and it is not permissible for him to shorten it, because following the imam is obligatory. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . It is not permissible for a traveler who shortens his prayer, if he prays with the resident imam and follows him in prayer, to shorten it behind him. Rather, the one who shortens follows him, following the imam. Yes.