Is it a form of shirk if you sometimes pray sunnah at the mosque because other people might look down upon you or look at you in a funny way?

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I sometimes do this because I do not want to look the odd one out. I do not always pray the sunnah prayer, but at mosques i usually do. I dont necessarily pray because of the muslims there, but because of embarassment. I know it is wrong, but is it shirk?

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

Shari'ah has placed lots of emphasis on Sunnah. Allah Ta'ala says in the noble Qur'aan, 'Verily for you in the way of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is a beautiful way.' In another verse, Allah Ta'ala states, 'Whatever your Rasul gives you, take it (practise upon it).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever perform twelve Rakaats (Sunnah) Salaats everyday (two Rakaats before Fajr, four before Dhuhr, two after Dhuhr, two before Asr, two after Maghrib and two after Esha Salaat), Allah will prepare an abode for him in Jannah. Sunnah Salaats covers up the shortcoming in Fardh Salaats.

In view of the above, you should endervour to perform the Sunnats before and after the Fardh Salaats. The Fuqahaa have stated that if one is certain that he will not perform his Sunnah Salaats at home, he should perform them at the Musjid. Generally, unity in practise relieves one from the difficulty of the practise when performing Salaat. You should place your gaze on Allah Ta' ala as the purpose of Salaat is to please Him and not people. Do not bother about people's feelings and looks towards you.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

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