What is the ruling for one who fears missing the Imam's Ruku' if they attend to a delayed Sujud from the first Rak'ah?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The follower is obligated to follow the Imam in Ruku' if they fear missing it, which makes the second Rak'ah count as the first, similar to one joining the prayer late (Masbuq). This ruling is based on the Prophet's statement, 'The Imam is appointed only to be followed; so when he bows, bow.' If it is argued that the command 'so when he prostrates, then prostrate' applies, the obligation to follow in Sujud is waived for the one with an excuse, while the obligation to follow in Ruku' remains binding because it is possible to comply and the Ruku' is feared to be missed.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa holds that the follower must attend to the delayed Sujud because they have already bowed with the Imam, requiring them to complete the Sujud afterward, similar to when the obstruction clears and the Imam is standing. Al-Shafi'i's view aligns with both positions.