The difference in intention between the imam and the ma'mum and its effect on the prayer

Question:
If the intention of the ma'mum differs from that of the imam, is the prayer valid?

Answer:
The correct view is that it is valid, because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed the prayer of fear with some of the Muslims for two rak'ahs, and then he prayed with the other group for two rak'ahs.
So the first prayer became an obligatory prayer for him, and the second became a voluntary prayer for him, while it was an obligatory prayer for them. And Mu'adh used to pray the obligatory prayer of 'Isha' with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then he would return and pray the prayer of 'Isha' with his people, which was a voluntary prayer for him and an obligatory prayer for them. This indicates that there is no harm in the difference of intention. Likewise, if a person comes to the mosque while they are praying 'Asr and he has not yet prayed Zuhr, he prays 'Asr with them with the intention of Zuhr.
And there is no harm on him according to the stronger of the two opinions of the scholars, and then he prays 'Asr after that. May Allah reward you with good.