Must a follower say Takbir when joining the Imam during a segment of the prayer other than Ruku?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the follower joins the Imam during any established pillar (rukn) other than Ruku—such as prostration (Sujud) or the first Tashahhud—the follower says only the opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram) and descends without an accompanying Takbir, because the specific timing for the Takbir associated with that pillar has passed and is not credited to the follower.
Supporting text
If the follower joins the Imam during Sujud or the first Tashahhud, they say Takbir while standing up with the Imam toward the third rak'ah, following the Imam as if they had joined from the beginning. Upon the Imam's final Tasleem, the follower rises to complete the remainder of the prayer with a Takbir. This is the position of Malik, al-Thawri, and Ishaq. Al-Shafi'i holds that no Takbir is needed upon rising for the remainder because the opening Takbir covered the start of the rak'ah; however, the correct view is that the follower must say Takbir upon rising because they are rising to a segment of the prayer that is credited to them, similar to rising from the first Tashahhud.