Praying Behind a Latecomer

Q: A person entered the mosque after the 'Asr prayer and the congregation had finished, and he began praying alone. While he was praying, another person entered. Should he pray with him?

A: It is preferable that if the latecomer begins praying and another person arrives, he should form a row with him on his right and pray with him. If there are two of them, they should stand in a row behind him so that they may obtain the virtue of the congregation. It is established from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that he saw a man who had entered and missed the prayer, so he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The Sunnah is that one of those present should stand up and pray with the one who entered so that he may obtain the congregation. This is what is prescribed, and in this there is a great virtue.