Joining the Imam in the last Rak`ah of the Maghrib Prayer

Q 3: A man joined the congregational Salah (Prayer) of Maghrib (Sunset) during the last Rak‘ah (unit of Prayer); how should he complete his Salah after the Imam offers Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer)? Should he recite audibly or inaudibly?

A: The worshipper who joins the congregational Salah of Maghrib during the last Rak‘ah, (Part No. 6; Page No. 230) should stand, after the Imam offers Taslim, and perform one Rak‘ah in which he should recite audibly, then sit for Tashahhud (a recitation in the sitting position in the second/ last unit of Prayer), which is considered the first Tashahhud for him because the one in which he joins the Imam is performed by way of following the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer). The concerned person should then offer the third Rak‘ah in which he should recite Al-Fatihah inaudibly. The foregoing is based on the more correct of the two opinions maintained by the scholars, which holds that the parts of Salah that a latecomer catches up with the Imam are considered the beginning of his Salah, whereas the parts which he completes after the Taslim of the Imam are the last of his Salah. Afterwards, the person in question should sit for the last Tashahhud and then offer Taslim.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.