Question
Regarding the time given for sunnats before jummah salaah, what is noticed is that in those masaajid where time is given to perform sunnats after the english lecture, many if not most of those present perform their sunnats and also fill up the gaps in the saffs resulting in those standing outside the masjid finding place in the masjid before the commencement of the khutbah as oppose to those masaajid where time is not given late comers either perform their sunnats during the English lecture finding it very hard to concentrate(due to our own weakness) or do not perform the sunnats at all. In some masaajid late comers end up standing at the back of or outside the masjid for the entire duration of the khutba and only find place once the sufuf are formed.
Keeping the above in mind, please enlighten as to what would be the best option and closest to the Sunnah. Should the Mutawallis of the different masaajid be encouraged to adopt the method of giving time to perform the Sunnah (although this could have a reverse effect having those who used to come early now coming later knowing that time will be given) or should the matter be left as is?
Answer
Implementing anyone of the two methods would be permissible. It is reported that Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu used to stand next to the Mimbar to give advices and he would continue till the Imam would be heard coming in for the Khutba. This together with preferred view regarding any Sunnah Salaah that it should be performed at home on condition that the home environment does not cause any deficiency in concentration.
However, considering the prevalent conditions (as explained in the query) the better method to be adopted would be that of giving time after the English lecture to perform the Sunnah Salaah. These concerns could be brought to the attention of the Mutawallis who should then discuss the matter with the Ulama of their areas and they should mutually decide as to which of the
methods would be most appropriate for the area.
In coming to a decision sight should not be lost of the condition of the Musallis. It should not lead to the Musallis undermining the importance of the English lecture which for many is the only time during the week reserved for listening to discourses on Islamic matters like basic Aqaa’id, Fiqh, Muasharaat etc. On the other hand due consideration should also be given to the performance of and the concentration in the Sunnah salaah as well as straightening of the Sufuf when reaching the conclusion.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
(المستدرك للحاكم ١/ ١٩٠)
(رد المحتار ا /٣٠ ٥)
فتاوى محمودية /390
فتاوى محمودية 12/393