Ruling on Performing Voluntary (Nafl) Prayers at the Time of Zenith on Friday
On Fridays, the first Adhan is often given at the time of zawal (zenith) or just a few moments before. What is the ruling regarding those individuals who perform Nafl prayers during this time — while their intention is neither for Tahiyyat al-Masjid nor for Tahiyyat al-Wudu, but merely for general voluntary prayer?
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh) and Researcher Dawood Ismail (ḥafiẓahullāh)
➤ Although the time of zawal does occur on Fridays, it is not taken into consideration specifically for that day.
➤ On the basis of this principle, a general ruling can be issued that it is permissible to offer prayers even at the time of zawal on Friday.
➤ Prayer remains valid in all circumstances. If it were prohibited at any given time, it would have been prohibited across the board.
➤ The general prohibition of prayer at zawal does not apply on Fridays, thus making it easier and inclusive for all individuals.
➤ Ideally, the Adhan should be called immediately after zawal.
➤ However, if it is given slightly earlier for general convenience, there is allowance for that as well.
➤ The time of zawal does occur on Friday, but its restriction is not applicable, similar to the following cases:
◈ At the Ka’bah (Baytullah), prayer is valid 24 hours a day throughout the year, and the zawal restriction does not apply there.
◈ Similarly, in all mosques on Fridays, prayer during zawal time is not specifically restricted.
Narrated by Sayyiduna Salman al-Farsi (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"لَا يَغْتَسِلُ رَجُلٌ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ وَيَتَطَهَّرُ مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ طُهْرٍ... ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ..."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 883]
Translation Summary:
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as best as he can, applies oil or uses fragrance available at home, then proceeds for the Friday prayer without pushing between two people, and performs whatever prayers he can, and listens attentively to the sermon when the Imam delivers it — then all the sins between that Friday and the next will be forgiven.
① This Hadith clearly indicates that voluntary prayers may be offered before the Friday prayer during the zawal time.
② The phrase "ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ" means “he should offer as many prayers as are written for him,” i.e., as many as he is able to perform.
③ It is authentically reported from some of the Salaf (pious predecessors) that they would perform up to 34 Rak‘ahs of Nafl prayers before Jumu‘ah, demonstrating their continued engagement in voluntary worship.
✔ It is permissible to perform voluntary (Nafl) prayers at the time of zawal on Friday, even if the intention is neither for Tahiyyat al-Masjid nor Tahiyyat al-Wudu.
✔ The general prohibition of praying at zawal does not apply on Friday, hence Nafl prayer is valid with a general intention.
✔ This practice is supported by the Sunnah and the actions of the Companions and the Salaf.
❖ Question:
On Fridays, the first Adhan is often given at the time of zawal (zenith) or just a few moments before. What is the ruling regarding those individuals who perform Nafl prayers during this time — while their intention is neither for Tahiyyat al-Masjid nor for Tahiyyat al-Wudu, but merely for general voluntary prayer?
❖ Answer by
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (ḥafiẓahullāh) and Researcher Dawood Ismail (ḥafiẓahullāh)
✿ Zawal Time and Its Consideration on Friday
➤ Although the time of zawal does occur on Fridays, it is not taken into consideration specifically for that day.
➤ On the basis of this principle, a general ruling can be issued that it is permissible to offer prayers even at the time of zawal on Friday.
➤ Prayer remains valid in all circumstances. If it were prohibited at any given time, it would have been prohibited across the board.
➤ The general prohibition of prayer at zawal does not apply on Fridays, thus making it easier and inclusive for all individuals.
✿ Best Practice Regarding the Timing of Friday Adhan
➤ Ideally, the Adhan should be called immediately after zawal.
➤ However, if it is given slightly earlier for general convenience, there is allowance for that as well.
✿ Exception of Zawal on Fridays
➤ The time of zawal does occur on Friday, but its restriction is not applicable, similar to the following cases:
◈ At the Ka’bah (Baytullah), prayer is valid 24 hours a day throughout the year, and the zawal restriction does not apply there.
◈ Similarly, in all mosques on Fridays, prayer during zawal time is not specifically restricted.
✿ Evidence from Hadith
Narrated by Sayyiduna Salman al-Farsi (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"لَا يَغْتَسِلُ رَجُلٌ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ وَيَتَطَهَّرُ مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ طُهْرٍ... ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ..."
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 883]
Translation Summary:
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as best as he can, applies oil or uses fragrance available at home, then proceeds for the Friday prayer without pushing between two people, and performs whatever prayers he can, and listens attentively to the sermon when the Imam delivers it — then all the sins between that Friday and the next will be forgiven.
✿ Key Points Derived from the Hadith
① This Hadith clearly indicates that voluntary prayers may be offered before the Friday prayer during the zawal time.
② The phrase "ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ" means “he should offer as many prayers as are written for him,” i.e., as many as he is able to perform.
③ It is authentically reported from some of the Salaf (pious predecessors) that they would perform up to 34 Rak‘ahs of Nafl prayers before Jumu‘ah, demonstrating their continued engagement in voluntary worship.
❖ Conclusion:
✔ It is permissible to perform voluntary (Nafl) prayers at the time of zawal on Friday, even if the intention is neither for Tahiyyat al-Masjid nor Tahiyyat al-Wudu.
✔ The general prohibition of praying at zawal does not apply on Friday, hence Nafl prayer is valid with a general intention.
✔ This practice is supported by the Sunnah and the actions of the Companions and the Salaf.
