Imaam going into ruku after reciting a sajdah aayat

Q: A few days ago, our imam recited Surah Alaq in the second rakah of Isha salaah. When he recited the aayah of sajdah, he did not perform the sajda-e-tilawat but went into ruku' and completed the salaah as normal. 

My question is: was he right in omitting to do sajda-e-tilawat which my understanding is to be wajib. After the salaah he explained that what he did was permissible.

A: If he went into ruku straight after the surah with the intention of sajdah-e-tilaawat then the ruku will compensate for the sajdah.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)