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25 / 06 / 2026
The Place of Seeking Refuge and Saying Bismillah for the Latecomer
For the latecomer, for example, if he catches one rak'ah with the imam, and this rak'ah is the fourth rak'ah, he seeks refuge and says Bismillah in this rak'ah and does not read anything afterward. Then, when the imam finishes the prayer, he makes up the three rak'ahs and only says Bismillah in them as a recommendation. Is this correct?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: The seeking refuge and the Basmala for the latecomer should be after the imam has finished, that is, in the rak'ah that the latecomer performs to make up for what he missed and reads in it. As for the Basmala in the other rak'ahs after he has separated, it is recommended. And God knows best.
