If the regular imam is delayed and then arrives during the prayer, is it permissible for him to step forward to complete the prayer with them?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived after the opening takbir and entered to lead the people. This is specific to him, or to one who is a ruler...
The Shaykh : Did I understand his question? This is a general case, meaning if the regular imam arrives during the prayer of his deputy, he may step forward to complete the prayer with them. But if he missed part of the prayer, what does he do? We say: he stands up and completes his prayer, while the followers sit and wait for him; they do not stand with him, because if they stood, they would be adding to the prayer, and adding is not permissible. Rather, they wait for him. So, if we suppose he missed two rak'ahs of a four-rak'ah prayer, we say: when he recites the first tashahhud, he stands up, and they remain waiting for him. Yes.
The questioner : Or do they say the taslim... is that not permissible?
The Shaykh : It is better that they do not say the taslim.
The Shaykh : Did I understand his question? This is a general case, meaning if the regular imam arrives during the prayer of his deputy, he may step forward to complete the prayer with them. But if he missed part of the prayer, what does he do? We say: he stands up and completes his prayer, while the followers sit and wait for him; they do not stand with him, because if they stood, they would be adding to the prayer, and adding is not permissible. Rather, they wait for him. So, if we suppose he missed two rak'ahs of a four-rak'ah prayer, we say: when he recites the first tashahhud, he stands up, and they remain waiting for him. Yes.
The questioner : Or do they say the taslim... is that not permissible?
The Shaykh : It is better that they do not say the taslim.