Q h wrote:
In the third or fourth raka’ah, if the imam goes to ruku’ but I have not completed the recitation of al fatiha, should I complete reciting or follow the imam? What if the imam rises from ruku’ before I can complete it?
A Reciting the Fatihah is obligatory for imams and individuals praying alone; it is not an obligation for individuals following an imam. An individual following an imam must follow his imam’s actions.
If a follower lags behind his imam by two complete integrals, his prayer will be invalid if he was aware of the consequence and yet did it intentionally; if, however, he was unaware of the consequence or did not lag behind intentionally, then only that rak‘at is invalid and he will need to make it up after the imam makes his taslim.
Bowing and then rising erect are considered a single complete integral; the second integral is complete when the imam begins his descent.
Concerning your specific question: If the imam bows, you need to cease your recitation and bow after him. If you remember that you must bow with him and are aware of the consequences for lagging behind the imam, your prayer will become invalid if you are still standing when the imam proceeds to descend to prostrate. (Please see Kashshaf al-Qina‘ 3:399–400 for details.)
And Allah knows best.
wa-s-salam,
mf
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