Joining the jamaat late

Q:

1. If the Imam is in or has just gone in to Ruku and one joins the Jamat, do you have to drop the hands to the side and stand a few seconds after saying Allahu Akbar or can one just raise the hands, say Allahu Akbar and go straight in to Ruku?
2. If one joins the Jamat late and before finishing reciting Attihiyyat up until Abdoohoo Wa Rasoolooh, the Imam does Salam, does the person complete the recitation of Attihiyyat or does he stand up immediately to complete the missed rakats?

A:

1. You may say Allahu Akbar and go into ruku.
2. Complete the attihiyyaat and then complete your missed rakaats.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)