Should a late-comer join the fajr salaah or perform his sunnats of fajr?

Q: I want to know that when I enter the masjid and the imam is in the 2nd rakat of the fajr prayer, should I first offer my 2 rakat sunnah or directly join the imam in the 2nd rakat of the fajr prayer?

A: If you are sure that you will be able to perform your Sunnats and still get the Jamaat, then you should perform your Sunnats in the sehn of the Musjid (i.e. in such a place that you will not be an obstruction for those who wish to join the saff)  and thereafter join the Jamaat.

However if you fear that through performing your Sunnats, you will miss the jamaat, then in this case you should not perform the Sunnats, instead you should join the Jamaat.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)