Question
What should I do if the Imam says Salam before I have finished reciting the Tashahhud, Durood Ibrahim, or any dua such as Rabbij'alni Muqimas-Salah? Should I complete my recitation first and then say Salam, or should I follow the Imam immediately?

Answer
Reciting Attahiyyat is wājib, whereas reciting Durūd-e-Ibrāhīmī and Du‘ā-e-Ma’thūrah is sunnah. Following the Imām (i.e., making iqtidā of the Imām) is also wājib.

Therefore, if you are reciting Attahiyyat and the Imām says salām, you should first complete the Attahiyyat and then say salām, as both are wājib. However, if you are reciting Durūd-e-Ibrāhīmī or Du‘ā-e-Ma’thūrah and the Imām says salām, then you should stop your recitation and follow the Imām, since a wājib act takes precedence over a sunnah act.

And Allah knows best.

Muhammad Rehan Raza Qadri
(Beggar at the doorstep of Scholars)