Is it permissible to follow a latecomer in prayer?

Question : The questioner asks: Is it permissible, if a part of the prayer is missed by two men who stand up to make up what they missed, for one of them to lead the other?

Answer : There are two opinions among the scholars on this. Some said it is not permissible because it is a religious innovation (bid'ah) and the Companions did not do it. Others said it is permissible. The fact that the Companions did not do it, or that it is not reported that they did it, does not harm us, as long as one of these two men transitions from being an imam to being a follower, and the other, who was the imam, transitions from following to leading. This does not affect the prayer. It appears to me, and Allah knows best, that it is permissible, but it is contrary to what is better. One should not expose his prayer to risk. It is said that if two men miss the prayer, each should make it up for himself and not follow the other.