Some people pray 2 Rakaat while the Khutbah is going on, during Friday prayers. Which is more important? Please explain while quoting the related Ahadith. Also comment on the Nafl before Maghrib.

Allah Ta'ala has mentioned in the noble Qur'aam, 'When the Qur'aan is recited, listen to it with attention and remain silent so that you may receive mercy.' (al-A'raaf)

The Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur'aan) have stated that this refers to Salaat and the Khutbah of Jummu'ah. Such was the Tafseer of Mujaahid, Attaa, Sa'eed ibn Jubayr and others. (Tafsir ibn Katheer vol.2 pg.292-3). Hence, the obligation of keeping quite during the Khutbah will be preferred to the performing 2 Rakaats Tahiyyatul Masjid upon entering the Musjid which in principle is Mustahabb (preferred act).

An obligation cannot be left out due to the fulfillment of a Mustahabb. In fact, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has mentioned that if anyone during the time of the Khutbah advises his brother to keep quite, then he (the advisor) has committed a void action (and his reward will be decreased). This further emphasizes the obligation of listening attentively to the Khateeb (speaker).

For this reason, it was the Madhab of many Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) and Taabi'een that they would not perform these 2 Rakaats while the Khutbah was taking place. This was the practice of the likes of Sayyiduna Umar, Uthmaa, Aliyy, ibn Abbaas and others (Radhiallaahu Anhum). (See Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah; Musannaf Abdur Razzaaq, Nasbur Raaya and Bazlul Majhood vol.2 pg.192)

As for Nafl before Maghrib Salaats, its permissibility is proven through various Ahaadith. However, this was not a constant practice of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). In fact, nor was it the practice of the Khulafaa-e-raashideen. Instead, the actual practice of Rasulullah and the majority of many companions was to hasten with the Fardh of Maghrib Salaat. (Tahawi).

The Hanafi scholars have ruled that it is Makrooh to delay the Fardh of Maghrib for no valid reason. And the 2 Rakaats before Maghrib due to it being in the category of Nafl and not Sunnat is not a valid reason for this cause. Just as one can perform it before Maghrib, he could perform it after Maghrib Salaat as well.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH

CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai