Is it permissible to perform an obligatory prayer behind someone who is performing a voluntary prayer, such as tarawih?

The questioner : Is it permissible to perform an obligatory prayer behind someone who is performing a voluntary prayer, such as tarawih?

The Shaykh : Answer: Yes, based on the authentic hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal in "Sahih al-Bukhari," in which it is stated that he used to pray the obligatory 'Isha' prayer behind the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and then he would go to the mosque of his neighborhood and lead them in prayer. For him, it was a voluntary prayer, and for them, it was an obligatory one. Therefore, the prayer of a person who enters the mosque while the imam is praying tarawih is valid, provided that this person has not yet prayed the 'Isha' prayer. He must follow this imam. If he catches two rak'ahs, he should stand up and complete the remaining two rak'ahs. If he does not catch two, even if it is before the taslim, he should join him and then complete the four rak'ahs.