What is the ruling for one obstructed from prostration (Sujud) in the first Rak'ah due to crowding?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
If a person cannot perform Sujud on the back or foot due to crowding in the first Rak'ah, they must wait until the obstruction clears, then perform Sujud and follow the Imam, similar to what occurred during the Battle of Dhat al-Riqa' (or Asfan, as mentioned in the tradition of Salat al-Khawf), where one rank performed Sujud while the other waited. If the follower catches up to the Imam while the Imam is standing or bowing, following the Imam validates the Rak'ah for the follower. This applies also if the follower misses Sujud due to sickness, sleep, or forgetfulness, as they are excused, akin to being physically obstructed.
Supporting text
If there is a fear that attending to the late Sujud will cause one to miss the bowing (Ruku') in the second Rak'ah with the Imam, then following the Imam in Ruku' becomes obligatory, and the second Rak'ah performed will count as the first one. This is the position of Malik.