Joining the Imam after rising from Ruku` of the last Rak`ah

Q 3: If a person joins Salah (prayer) after the Imam has finished bowing or at the prostration of the last Rak`ah (unit of Prayer) or in the last Tashahhud (a recitation in the sitting position in the last unit of Prayer), should he wait for others to come and pray with them or join the Imam even if the congregational prayer is missed?

A: A latecomer realizes the reward of congregational Salah (prayer) when he catches up with one Rak'ah (unit of prayer) with the Imam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever catches one rak'ah (in congregation) will be considered to have caught the whole prayer. Related by Muslim in his Sahih. A full rak'ah (unit of prayer) is realized when a person catches up with Ruku` (bowing). However, when a Muslim arrives after the last bowing, it is better to join Salah with the Imam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, When you come to prayer, go with tranquility and pray what you catch up with, and complete what you miss. This Hadith is applied to joining Salah before and after the final Ruku`.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.