Is it permissible to follow a latecomer in congregational prayer?

Question:
If the follower catches up with the imam for one or two units of prayer, and then the imam concludes the prayer, and then he stands to complete what he missed, is it permissible for another man to follow him?

Answer:
It is better that no one follow him; each person should pray for himself. This is the preferred course. If a person is left behind by part of the prayer and the imam concludes the prayer, he should stand up and make up what he missed on his own. If someone follows him and makes him his imam, there is no blame on him, and the correct view is that the prayer is valid. If someone follows him and makes him his imam, the prayer is valid, but it is better for him to make up his missed portion for himself. This is because when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was delayed in some of the expeditions from the Fajr prayer—because he was relieving himself—'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf led the people in the Fajr prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then arrived with al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah, and 'Abd al-Rahman had prayed one rak'ah. They prayed with him the remaining rak'ah, and then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and al-Mughirah stood up and made up what they had missed. Each one made up what was required of him. Al-Mughirah did not follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in this regard; rather, each one made up what he had missed. This is what is known in the hadith. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Each one should complete what he missed.