If a latecomer joins with the intention of Maghrib behind an imam who is praying 'Isha', how does he pray?
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The questioner : O Shaykh, if a latecomer joins behind an imam who is praying 'Isha, and he has not yet prayed Maghrib, does he join?
The Shaykh : Complete the question.
The questioner : What does he do? The imam’s prayer is four units, and his is three.
The Shaykh : All right, if he joins the imam who is praying 'Isha while he intends to pray Maghrib, then if he joins him in the second unit, he concludes the prayer with him, because he has prayed three units. If he joins him in the third unit, he adds one unit after him. If he joins him in the first unit, then when the imam stands for the fourth unit of 'Isha, he sits down intending to pray alone, recites the tashahhud, and concludes the prayer. Then he joins the imam for the remainder of the 'Isha prayer. This is the stronger position.
Some scholars have said: he should pray Maghrib first, then join the imam for the remainder of the 'Isha prayer. But the first opinion is better, so that a person does not separate himself from the congregation.
The questioner : What if he prioritized and prayed 'Isha before Maghrib?
The Shaykh : If he was ignorant, he owes nothing. If he was knowledgeable, it is not permissible, because if he does this, he has neglected the order. And here there is no need to neglect the order, because he can pray Maghrib and do as I mentioned to you. Yes.
The Shaykh : Complete the question.
The questioner : What does he do? The imam’s prayer is four units, and his is three.
The Shaykh : All right, if he joins the imam who is praying 'Isha while he intends to pray Maghrib, then if he joins him in the second unit, he concludes the prayer with him, because he has prayed three units. If he joins him in the third unit, he adds one unit after him. If he joins him in the first unit, then when the imam stands for the fourth unit of 'Isha, he sits down intending to pray alone, recites the tashahhud, and concludes the prayer. Then he joins the imam for the remainder of the 'Isha prayer. This is the stronger position.
Some scholars have said: he should pray Maghrib first, then join the imam for the remainder of the 'Isha prayer. But the first opinion is better, so that a person does not separate himself from the congregation.
The questioner : What if he prioritized and prayed 'Isha before Maghrib?
The Shaykh : If he was ignorant, he owes nothing. If he was knowledgeable, it is not permissible, because if he does this, he has neglected the order. And here there is no need to neglect the order, because he can pray Maghrib and do as I mentioned to you. Yes.