In Shafi’i Fiqh, Are There Any Forbidden Times for Tahiyyat Al-Masjid?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
In the Shafi’i school, are there any recommended, disliked, or forbidden times to perform Tahiyyatul Masjid (the prayer of greeting the mosque), such as during the Friday khutbah?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate
It is Sunna (recommended) to pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Prayer for Greeting the Mosque) whenever someone enters a mosque but before they sit down, after which praying is no longer valid. Under these circumstances, Tahiyyat al-Masjid is Sunna and not forbidden at any time. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]
Forbidden Times to Pray
The Shafi‘i School maintains certain times during which it is generally forbidden to perform prayers entirely supererogatory (i.e., without a specific preceding occasion or reason). However, exceptions are made for prayers performed for a specific reason, including Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque).
Times When Prayer Is Forbidden
According to Shafi‘i Law, the following times are designated as forbidden for supererogatory prayers without a particular preceding reason:
– From sunrise until the sun is a “spear’s length” above the horizon.
– At the zenith (when the sun is at its highest point) until it begins to decline, except on Fridays when it is permissible to pray at this time.
– From when the sun yellows before sunset until it has set.
– After the Fajr (dawn) prayer until sunrise.
– After the ‘Asr (mid-afternoon) prayer until sunset.
These restrictions apply only to prayers without a specific preceding cause. [Misri, ‘Umdat al-Salik]
Tahiyyat al-Masjid During Forbidden Times
Tahiyyat al-Masjid is considered a prayer performed for a specific preceding reason [entering the mosque] and is therefore exempt from these general prohibitions. This means that it remains permissible to perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid even during the forbidden times listed above. [ibid.]
Tahiyyat al-Masjid During the Friday Khutba
During the Friday khutba, the Shafi‘i School permits Tahiyyat al-Masjid if one enters the mosque while the khutba is ongoing. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) instructed a man to perform two rak‘as upon entering the mosque while he was delivering the Friday sermon, thus establishing that it is not only permissible but recommended to perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid upon entering, even if the khutba has begun.
Jabir Ibn ‘Abd Allah (Allah be pleased with him) said: a man came whilst the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was addressing the people on the day of Jumu’a. He said, “Have you prayed, O So and so?” He said, “No.” he said, “Stand up and pray two rak‘as.” [Agreed upon].
Exceptions Within the Sacred Precinct
Furthermore, it is not offensive to pray at any time within the Sacred Mosque in Mecca (al-Haram), and there is no restriction on performing non-obligatory prayers there, even at the times typically forbidden elsewhere.
Abu Dharr (Allah be pleased with him) took the ring of the Ka‘ba gate and said: “I heard the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) saying: “No prayer is to be performed after ‘Asr until the sun sets, nor after Fajr until the sun rises except in Makka, except in Makka.” [Ahmad, Bayhaqi, Daraqutni, Ibn Hibban and Ibn Khuzayma]
Summary
In the Shafi‘i School, Tahiyyat al-Masjid is permitted at all times, including during the Friday khutba and the forbidden times mentioned, because it is a prayer with a specific preceding purpose. Therefore, regardless of the time, one may perform it upon entering the mosque.
Allah knows best.
May Allah grant us consistency in worship and understanding of Sacred Law.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
