The Ruling On Thana For Latecomers (Muqtadi) in Congregational Salaah

If the Imam is reciting the Qur’an aloud (jahr), the latecomer Muqtadi should not recite the Thana, because it is obligatory to remain silent and listen attentively during the Qur’anic recitation. Allah Almighty says:

Translation: And when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it attentively and keep silent, so that you receive mercy. (Surah Aa'raaf 7:204)

However, if the Imam is reciting quietly, then the latecomer Muqtadi may recite the Thana.

The great jurist of India, Huzoor Sadrush-Shariah Alaihir Rahma writes:

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"If the Imam has begun reciting the Qira'at aloud, the Muqtadi should now not recite the Thana, even if, due to distance or deafness, he is unable to hear the Imam’s voice. However, if the Imam is reciting in a low voice or softly, then the Muqtadi may recite it.” (Bahaar-e-Shariat, Part 3, page. 74, Qadiri Kitaab Ghar, Bareilly Shareef)

It is mentioned in Fataawa Hindiyah:

Translation: If one joins the Imam during a Raka'at in which the recitation is done aloud, he should not recite the Thana. This is the correct opinion mentioned in Khulaasah, whether he is near or far from the Imam, or even if, due to deafness, he cannot hear the recitation.” (Fataawa Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 100, Chapter of Salaah, Daarul Kutbul Ilmiyah Beirut)

Moreover, if the Muqtadi joins the Salaah while the Imam is in ruku or the first sajdah, and he confidently feels that he can recite Thana before joining the posture, then he may do so. However, if he joins during the tashahhud or second sajdah, it is preferable for him to join silently without reciting Thana. This ruling is also found in Bahaar-eShariat, Part 3, Page 74 / Qadri Kitaab Ghar Bareilly Shareef)

As for a masbooq (a Muqtadi who has missed one or more Raka‘ats), when he stands to make up his missed raka‘ats after the Imam has

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completed the Salaah, he should begin with Thana, as these are his own Raka‘ats from the beginning.

Imam-e- Ahl-e- Sunnat, Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Alaihir Rahma writes: "If someone has missed a Raka‘at and stands to make it up after the Imam’s salaam, he should begin that Raka'at with Thana, as it is his first Raka‘at."(Fataawa Razawiyyah Shareef, Volume 6, Page 182, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

Similarly, it is stated in Fataawa Hindiyah:

Translation: When a Muqtadi stands to make up the missed Raka'at, he should begin with Thana.” (Fataawa Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 100, Daarul-KutubuI Ilmiyah, Beirut)