Joining the Imaam before ruku' of the first rakaat

Q:

1. When joining Salaah behind an Imaam in the first rakaat before ruku, does one have to recite Thanaa?

2. If no, and if one recited it, is the Salaah valid?

3. If one happens to recite the first Takbeer (Takbeer Tahreemah) and thereafter recite Takbeer again and go into ruku whilst the Imaam is already into ruku, is the Salaah valid?

A:

1. No. One should commence the Salaah and immediately join the Imaam in ruku.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)