What is the ruling concerning the timing of the prostration of forgetfulness for a previously behind follower (masbūq) when the Imam prostrates after the conclusion of the prayer (taslīm)?
Chapter on the Two Prostrations of Forgetfulness
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Malik, al-Awza'i, al-Layth, and al-Shafi'i agree that if the prostration is before the final salutation, the follower follows the Imam. However, if the prostration is after the salutation, they hold the view of Ibn Sirin, stating that the follower must make up the missed part and then prostrate. This position, narrated from Ahmad, is justified because an act after the conclusion is considered external to the prayer, similar to another prayer, thus not requiring immediate adherence to the Imam.
Supporting text
The primary argument for following the Imam after the salutation is that the prostration is a completion of the prayer, differentiating it from an entirely separate prayer where one is not following the Imam.