Is it obligatory for the one who joins the prayer late to follow the imam if he forgets a rak'ah, specifically when the imam is performing that rak'ah which he forgot?
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The questioner : Also, following up on the question, O Shaykh, some of those who joined late stood up to complete what they missed, and that was with the first congregation. Is it obligatory for them to follow the imam when he stands up to perform the missing rak'ah, or are they allowed to continue in their prayer? Or what is the ruling on the prayer of those among the latecomers who did not follow the imam?
The Shaykh : This is a second question; we will not answer it unless the brothers permit it. Do you permit it?
The student: We permit it, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : That is, this man who forgot a rak'ah said the closing salam after three rak'ahs. The latecomers, who had missed part of the prayer, stood up to make up what they missed. So, if the imam remembers and stands up, is it obligatory for them to return with him, or do they continue making up their prayer? The answer is that they have a choice. If they wish, they return with the imam, and if they wish, they continue in their prayer. Yes.
The Shaykh : This is a second question; we will not answer it unless the brothers permit it. Do you permit it?
The student: We permit it, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : That is, this man who forgot a rak'ah said the closing salam after three rak'ahs. The latecomers, who had missed part of the prayer, stood up to make up what they missed. So, if the imam remembers and stands up, is it obligatory for them to return with him, or do they continue making up their prayer? The answer is that they have a choice. If they wish, they return with the imam, and if they wish, they continue in their prayer. Yes.