Delay of Sunnah & Nafl Salaah

Any delay that occurs between the completion of one’s Fardh Salaah and the performance of the respective Sunnah and Nafl Salaah thereafter has been generally discouraged and frowned upon by our Shariah. The jurists have mentioned however, that a delay which might arise due to a valid Shari-reason would be overlooked. Hence, if a slight delay occurs as a result of the recitation of certain Tasbīḥāt and Duaas, or the learning and teaching of a Deeni-mas’ala, then such a delay would not only be tolerated, but it would be encouraged and recommended as well. A delay of this nature would not constitute an innovation (Bid’ah), since authentic narrations prove that Rasulullah (S.A.W.) also delayed the performance of his Sunnah and Nafl Salaah due to the aforementioned reasons.

Concerning the learning and teaching of a Deeni-Mas’ala, the following should be kept in mind:

- The Mas’ala being taught should be as straightforward and concise as possible.

- It should be taught in a manner that causes the least disturbance to those Musallees who are completing their missed Rakaats.

- If a relatively uncommon Mas’ala is briefly mentioned, the Musallees should be advised to consult the Imam for further clarification before practicing on what they had heard. This will serve to quell any misunderstandings and misinterpretations which could arise as a result of some Musallees either having heard incorrectly, or having heard only a portion of the Mas’ala being discussed.

See:

- Sahih-al-Bukhari; Volume 1; pg 837-838

- Umdat-ul-Qari; Volume 4; pg 618

- Imdaad-ul-Fataawa; Volume 1; pg 651

- Fataawa Mufti Mahmood; Volume 2; pg 270

- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya; Volume 1; pg 168 & 175

Allah Ta`ala knows best.

___________________

Mufti Radha-ul-Haq

Faculty of Ifta

Darul Uloom Zakariyya

Lenasia, South Africa

12 July 2011

10 Shabaan 1432