What does one do if he enters the mosque and the imam is bowing?

Question:
A questioner says: In the case of praying in the mosque when the congregation is bowing, is it valid for me to bow while I am away from the congregation, with no one beside me, and then after I straighten up, I move forward until I reach the row with the congregation?

Answer:
This happened to some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), namely Abu Bakrah al-Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him). He came one day while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was bowing, so he bowed before the row, then walked and entered the row. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) finished the prayer, he asked about it, as if he had sensed it. It was among his special attributes that he could see those behind him (peace and blessings be upon him). So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: He forbade him from returning to bow before the row.
This indicates that it is obligatory to be patient until you enter the row. It is not permissible for you to bow alone. So be patient until you reach the row and fill the gap, or reach the end of the row and align with the people. It is not permissible for you to pray alone, nor to bow alone. Rather, be patient until someone is with you, or seek a gap in the row, or at the end of the row, and enter into that.