On a person who offers obligatory

Q 2: I entered the Masjid (mosque) to find a group of people offering Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Salahs combined - for example - and I did not know which Salah of them they were offering. Fearing that I might miss the due time of Salah, what should I have done?

A: If someone enters the Masjid to find a group of people offering Zhuhr and `Asr Salahs combined - for example - while not knowing which Salah of them they are offering and fears that he may miss the due time of Salah, he should join them intending to offer the Salah due on him in congregation so as not to miss the congregational Salah. However, if it turns out later that he offered `Asr Salah behind an Imam offering Zhuhr Salah, his Salah will still be valid. (Part No. 7; Page No. 400) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.