Muslim

1427. Commentary: There is no mention in the hadith of performing the prayer in the mosque. In reality, Imam al-Nasa’i rahimahullah is reconciling between the narrations, because in one narration there is mention of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam performing two units (rak‘ah) of prayer. See: [صحیح البخاري ، الجمعة ، حدیث : 937 ، و صحیح مسلم ، الجمعة ، حدیث 882]. The author rahimahullah has specified the narration of four units for the mosque, and the narration of two units for the home, because in that narration the home is mentioned—that is, if one prays after coming home, then two units, and if one prays in the mosque, then four units. However, the preferred opinion is that both two and four units may be performed. And Allah knows best. Whereas some people are of the view that both the verbal and practical narrations should be acted upon—that is, one should perform four and also two, making a total of six units—but this view is without evidence.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: From these ahadith, it is understood that four rak‘ahs should be performed after Jumu‘ah. This is the view of Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah and Imam Shafi‘i rahimahullah. Imam Ishaq’s opinion is that if one performs them in the mosque, then he should perform four; and if he performs them at home, then he should perform two. Shah Waliullah also adopted this view. However, according to Imam Malik rahimahullah, Imam Shafi‘i rahimahullah, and Imam Ahmad rahimahullah, it is preferable to perform the Sunnah prayers of Jumu‘ah at home, whether two are performed or four.

1131. Commentary:
This instruction is for encouragement and recommendation.

Benefit:
It is understood from this that after the obligatory Friday prayer, two units (rak‘ahs) of Sunnah may also be performed, and four units as well. Some have reconciled between these two by stating that if one performs them in the mosque, then he should perform four Sunnah (either in sets of two with separate salutations, or with one salutation for all four), and if he performs them after going home, then he should perform two units. (Mir‘aat)

Benefit:
From this hadith, it is established that four rak‘ahs should be performed after the Jumu‘ah prayer, and performing two rak‘ahs is also permissible (Sahih al-Bukhari: 895). Whatever is possible should be performed. It is preferable to offer voluntary (nafl) prayers at home.