Allah Taala commands us in the
Holy Quraan: “When the Quraan is read, listen to it with attention and hold your
peace: that ye may receive mercy.” (Verse 204, Surah Al-A’araaf)
Many commentators like of Mujaahid, Ibn Juraij and Saeed ibnul Musayib (R.A) are
of the opinion that the above verse also refers to the period of the Jumuah
Khutba and Salaat. ( Tafseer Ibn Katheer – vol 2)
Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam has also mentioned: “When one of you
enters the masjid whilst the imaam is on the pulpit (delivering the khutba) then
he should not perform any salaat nor should he speak until the imam completes
(the sermon).” (Tabrani)
A hadith in Musnad Ahmad also suggests that when one enters the Musjid for
Salaatul-Jumua and the imaam has already commenced the sermon, then one should
sit down and listen attentively to the sermon and not perform any salaat. (
Musnad Ahmad pg. 75, vol 5)
The above has been the practise of many eminent Sahaba (R.A.) and Tabi’een such
as Hazrat Umar (R.A), Uthman (R.A), Ali (R.A), Ibn Abbas (R.A), Imam Malik,
Laith, Abu-Hanifa,Thawri, Ibn Sireen (R.A). ( Sharh Muslim -Pg 287, vol 1 /
Musannaf ibn abi Shaiba Pg.20, vol 2 )
However, Imaam Shafie and Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (R.A), are of the opinion that
it is mustahab (preferable) for one who arrives after the imaam has commenced
his sermon to perform his Tahiyyatul-musjid. (Sharh-Muslim- Nawawi p.g 287) They
have based their view on the strength of an incident that
occurred with Hazrat Sulaik Al-Ghatfani (R.A). Hazrat Jabir R.A narrates that
Sulaik Al – Ghatfani entered whilst Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihia -wasallam was
delivering theFriday sermon and sat down. Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam
enquired of him if he had performed his salaat.When he replied in the negative,
Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam then ordered him with the following: a)
to stand up b) perform 2 rakaats( nafl-salaat) c) keep the salaat brief
Kitaabul-Jumuah – Sahih Muslim P.g 287, Vol-1)
The majority of the scholars who do not hold the same view as Imaam Shafie &
Ahmad bin Hanbal (R.A ), explain the above hadith to be a special case
concerning Hazrat Sulaik (R.A.) only. This line of reasoning has been supported
by a narration of Hazrat Abu Saeed Al-Khudri R.A that Rasulullah
Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam had ordered him to offer his 2 rakaats of salaat. He
(Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam) encouraged the sahaaba to be charitable towards
him, upon seeing his down-trodden condition. ( Kitaabul-Jumua, Nasaai -Pg.208,
vol 1) Hence the deduction of these scholars indicates that the reason for
Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam’s ordering him to perform his salaat was
for the sahaaba to notice his pitiable, poor and downtrodden condition. In this
way Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam encouraged charity towards him.
Notwithstanding the above incident, Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi Wasallam never
commanded any other latecomer to stand up and perform his tahiyyatul-musjid, as
he commanded Hazrat Sulaik (R.A). There are many incidents which substantiate
this view, where a late comer was not commanded by Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi
wasallam to offer his salaat. To the contrary he was instructed to sit down and
not cause any inconvenience to others. (Nasaai- p.g 207 ) Some narrations also
mention that Rasulullah
Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam stopped his sermon, waited for Hazrat Sulaik (R.A)
and resumed his sermon after he had completed his salaat.( Musannaf ibn Abi
Shaiba-pg.20-vol2) This clearly indicates that Hazrat Sulaik (R.A) did not
perform his 2 rakaats during the sermon. Rasulullah Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam
had also asked him to make his salaat brief (whilst he waited for him).This also
emphasizes the importance of listening to the sermon. Infact Rasulullah
Sallallaahu-alaihi wasallam prohibited any
other activity during the sermon, so that one listens to the advices of the
sermon. Even commanding someone with good during the sermon was
prohibited,although it is normally wajib act. Hence, if a wajib act was not
permitted,then how will a nafl act be given preference over it? (Al bahruraaiq
p.g 271
vol 2)
From the above, it can be concluded that it is advisable for the latecomer to
sit down and listen to theFriday Sermon and not to engage in any nafl salaat.
This viewpoint is strongly supported by the majority of the eminent and pious
predecessors.Even, great scholars like Imaam Shafie & Imaam Ahmad
bin Hambal are of the opinion that at the most, it is sunnat (and not
compulsory) for the latecomer to perform the tahiyyatul-musjid , during the
sermon. (Alfiqhul-Islaami wa adillatuhu – p.g 297 vol,2 )
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT