What is the Legal Ruling of Repeating a Prayer with a Latecomer? [Shafi’i School]

Answered by Ustadh Shuaib Ally
Question: Assalamu’alaikum,
1. What is the legal ruling of repeating a prayer with a latecomer? Can the person repeating the prayer lead it? What about repeating it during the prohibited times?
2. Do I have to make up missed prayers in congregation?
3.What is the time for Witr prayer?
Answer: Assalamu ‘alaykum,
I’ve split up your questions into three sections for clarity:

Repeating a Prayer

Repeating a prayer with another person or group, such as latecomers (as long as it is still within the prayer’s time), after one has already performed the same prayer alone or in a group, is recommended.
The person repeating his prayer can lead this repeated congregational prayer, even if those following him are now performing their obligatory prayer. This remains recommended, and does not negate the reward of congregational prayer for anyone involved.
A person can repeat a prayer in the described manner during the otherwise prohibited times for prayer.

Making Up Missed Prayers

Performing in congregation a specific missed prayer, for example Fajr, remains Sunna, as it would be if it were prayed within its ordained time. Performing a missed prayer, such as Dhuhr, behind those performing a prayer in its time, such as ‘Asr, is permissible, but praying alone in such a case is better.

The Witr Prayer

The time for the witr prayer – up to eleven units of prayer – is between the completion of the ‘Isha prayer and the true dawn. It is preferable to delay the prayer until the latter part of the night, unless there is a complicating reason, such as the likelihood that one will be unable to wake up to offer it. It is permissible to delay between the sets of the witr prayer, for example, between 2 units and the final unit of prayer.
Sources: al-Hawashi al-Madaniyyah; Mughni al-Muhtaj
wassalam,
Shuaib Ally