What is the ruling on one who joins the imam in the 'Isha' prayer with the intention of Maghrib? Is there a difference in intention?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you: Regarding the follower joining the imam, meaning with the intention of Maghrib while he is praying 'Isha', yes, while he is praying 'Isha', is there not a change in intention, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : A difference?
The questioner : Yes, a difference in intention.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : Or, for example, if one joins the imam while he is praying 'Asr with the intention of Zuhr, is there any issue with that?
The Shaykh : A difference in intention between the imam and the follower does not harm, because Mu'adh ibn Jabal used to pray a voluntary prayer with his people while they were praying the obligatory prayer, and this is one of the greatest forms of difference, and yet the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not disapprove of it.
The Shaykh : A difference?
The questioner : Yes, a difference in intention.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : Or, for example, if one joins the imam while he is praying 'Asr with the intention of Zuhr, is there any issue with that?
The Shaykh : A difference in intention between the imam and the follower does not harm, because Mu'adh ibn Jabal used to pray a voluntary prayer with his people while they were praying the obligatory prayer, and this is one of the greatest forms of difference, and yet the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not disapprove of it.