When you say that it is permissible to for a hanafi to act as imam when somebody taps his shoulder and makes him imam.

Question

Should it be the case when the person is praying sunnah or nafil? 2. When the khutbah of jumah is not in arabic but the native language of the country, then also is it necessary to listen to it? I do not understand the language they speak here, still is it necessary for me to listen the khutbah and not pray sunnahs first?

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

Your question raises a fundamental question and principle.

According to the Hanafi Madhab, the Imaam and Muqtadie (follower) both must be equals in Fardh Salaat. If the Imaam is performed, for example, Dhuhr Salaat, then the Muqtadi must also be performing the same Fardh Salaat. The Muqtadi cannot perform Esha Salaat, for example, behind the Imaam who is performing Dhuhr Salaat. However, a Muqtadie may follow the Imaam with the intention of performing Nafl Salaat only in Dhuhr and Esha Salaats.

Reverting to your query, there is no congregational Salaat in Sunnah or Nafl Salat. If a person is performing Fardh Salaat by himself, and another person wishes to join him, with the intention of Fardh Salaat, he may do so. If there are more than one person wishing to join the Imaam, then they will stand behind the Imaam or if there is no space, the Imaam will move forward. They may indicate that to the Imaam by touching his shoulder.

It is compulsory to observe respect for the Khutbah even if you do not understand it. We also wish to point out that the Khutbah should be in the Arabic language.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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