Question Summary:
1. When following an Imam, is it required for the Muqtadees (followers) to complete the Tashahhud before standing up for the 3rd Rakah or before saying Salam in the last Rakah? 2. After the Imam says Salam, when should the Muqtadee say their salam?

Question Detail:

As Salam o Alaikum,
I am a very slow reader when it comes to praying salah. When I am praying salah at home I have no problem, but when I am praying in a congregation I do not get to finish the the Tashud, Darood and dua in the fourth or last rakah or just the Tashud in the second Rakah. I have read that you can say Salaam after the first few verses of Darood in the fourth or last  rakah if in congregation the Imam has finished the prayer. I would like to know when following an Imam how soon can you Salaam after he has said Salaam and what is the minimum the follower has to read/recite before he can say salaam while following an Imam. Also if you are following an Imam do you have to finish Tahsud while following an Imam in the second Rakah (Zohar, Asat, Maghrib and Isha) if the Imam has finished and said Allah U Akbar?   

Answer :

Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Your query consists of two questions:
1.      When following an Imam, is it required for the Muqtadees (followers) to complete the Tashahhud before standing up for the 3^rd Rakah or before saying Salam in the last Rakah?
2.      After the Imam says Salam, when should the Muqtadee say their salam?
 
 
1.      Reciting Tashahhud in Salah is Wajib for the Imam as well as for the Muqtadi. If the Imam finishes his Salah and the Muqtadi did not, then the Muqtadi should complete the Tashahhud. However, if the Muqtadi says the Salam without completing the Tashahhud, the Salah will still be valid.[1]
2.      The Muqtadi should say his Salam with the Imam.[2]
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abdul Hannan Nizami,
Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.