How should a Muqtadi complete the Salaat if his wudhu broke during the Salaat?

Answer

Such a Muqtadi (follower) is called Laahiq.

1. If, after joining the Jama't, one's Wudhu broke, it will be permissible to leave the congregation, make Wudhu anew and join in the Jama't again. In the interval in which the Laahiq leaves the congregation it is not permissible for him to talk or do any such act which nullifies Salaat.

2. The Laahiq, with regard to the Raka'ts which he has missed, will be considered as the Mudrik. Therefore, like the Mudrik does not recite Qiraat, so the Laahiq, too, will not recite Qiraat but will remain standing (in Qiyaam) silently. Also, like the Mudrik who makes an error and will not perform Sujoodus- Sahw, so the Laahiq, too, will not perform Sujoodus-Sahw for any error or omission of the Waajib acts.

3. The Laahiq, upon rejoining the Jama't, must firstly fulfil the Raka'ts which have been missed and if after completing the missed Raka'ts the Jama't is still in progress, he should unite with it (the Jama't). If, after fulfilling his missed Raka'ts the Jama't has ended its Salaat, he (the Laahiq) should complete his Salaat alone.

For example: A Muqtadee's Wudhu broke during the second Rakat. He, therefore, leaves the Jama't and renews his Wudhu. On returning, he finds the Imam in the last Raka't. What should he now do?

He should join the Jama't (stand in the Saff) and perform firstly the Raka'ts which he has missed. He must not join the Imam in whatever posture he may be in. In this example his Wudhu broke during the second Raka't, hence this Muqtadi (the Laahiq) should proceed to read the second, third and fourth Raka't without reciting any Qiraat in the Raka'ts he is thus making. In this example it is obvious that he will not be able to link up with the Imam since he (the Laahiq) has yet three Raka'ts to make while the Imam is in the last Raka't. In this case the Laahiq merely completes the three Raka'ts missed.

However, if in some case the Laahiq, after fulfilling his missed Raka'ts manages to link up with the Imam then he shall complete his Salaat with the Imam.

For example: The Muqtadee's Wudhu breaks in the first Raka't of Ishaa Fardh Salaat. He quickly goes to renew his Wudhu and upon returning he finds the Imam in Tashah-hud of the second Raka't. The Laahiq joins the congregation and performs the Raka'ts he has missed. If the Imam is now in the fourth Raka't, when the Laahiq has finished three Raka'ts, then he (the Laahiq) should join up with the Imam in the fourth Raka't and complete the Salaat with the Imam.