Imam Missing Zuhr Sunnah Prayers, Muezzin Giving Adhan without Wudu

Question: The imam of a mosque often arrives late for Zuhr prayer and leads the congregational prayer without first performing the four Sunnah rak‘ahs. If this becomes a regular habit, is it appropriate for him to continue leading the prayer?

The muezzin at the same mosque also gives the Adhan without wudu on most occasions. Is it correct for him to continue doing so if this has become a habit?

Answer: The prescribed practice is to perform the four Sunnah rak‘ahs before Zuhr prayer, although they may also be performed afterwards. If the Sunnah prayers are performed after the obligatory prayer, the two Sunnah rak‘ahs that normally follow the fard should be performed first. The initial four rak‘ahs should then be offered afterwards. This applies to both the imam and the members of the congregation.

However, every effort should be made to follow the prescribed order: four Sunnah rak‘ahs before the fard, followed by two Sunnah rak‘ahs afterwards. Making a habit of missing the initial Sunnah prayers is not desirable. Nevertheless, if an imam cannot perform them in the usual order, has already performed them elsewhere or chooses to perform them at a more convenient time, this does not disqualify him from leading the congregational prayer.

Worshippers should think well of the imam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to maintain a favourable opinion of one another. People often tend to suspect others without sufficient grounds. The Prophet also warned against suspicion, saying that suspicion is among the most false forms of speech. The Holy Quran likewise strongly warns Muslims against spying on others and seeking out their faults.

The issue concerning the muezzin falls under the same principle. It cannot be assumed that he gives the Adhan without wudu simply because someone sees him performing wudu after the call. He may renew his wudu before every congregational prayer. Moreover, having wudu is not a condition for giving the Adhan; the Adhan is valid even without it.

Such matters are personal, and anyone concerned should raise them with the individuals involved politely and respectfully. Rather than publicly asking questions to embarrass the imam or muezzin, it would be more appropriate to seek the assistance of a senior Islamic scholar and discuss the matter privately.

Experience shows that pointing out minor behavioural issues in an inappropriate manner can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of a mosque.

Answered by: Allama Mufti Ubaidur Rahman Khan Nadvi

Source: Jameul Fatawa: Encyclopaedia of Islamic Jurisprudence and Fatwas

Readers may send their questions to inqilabqna@gmail.com.