Performing obligatory Salahs at

Q 1: One of our shaykhs read the Hadith about delaying the Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer during the summer, and he read it to the brothers and told them to apply it, but they did not agree with him. They reminded him that the order was referring to a concession and that the other Hadith about offering Salah (prayers) at the beginning of their due times had priority over this one. They said that our brothers from Ahl-ul-Sunnah (adherents to the Sunnah) in all Muslim countries, even those in the two Sacred Mosques, understand it this way. The shaykh disagreed with this and insisted on delaying the Salah. A small group of the brothers followed him and started delaying the Salah. Even though they hear the Adhan (call to Prayer) and the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer), they come to the same mosque later, call the Iqamah and offer the Salah. This matter has led to dissention and clashes among the brothers, to the extent that they have started to insult each other. This has now been going on for years.

A: It is better to offer Salah at the beginning of their times, based on what was related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and others on the authority of `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated: I asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), 'What is the deed most beloved by Allah?' He said, 'Performing the Salah at its due time.' Imam Ahmad, Muslim, and others also related on the authority of Jabir ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to offer the Zhuhr Prayer when the sun declined. (Part No. 6; Page No. 118) There are other Hadith that show the excellence of offering Salah at the beginning of their due times, with the exception of the Zhuhr Prayer when it is very hot and the `Isha' (Night) Prayer. As for the Zhuhr Prayer, it is related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and As-hab-ul-Sunan (authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, If the temperature gets hotter, delay the (Zhuhr) Prayer until it gets cooler, as the severity of heat is dispersed from Hellfire. It is also related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, We were on a journey with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) wanted to call the Adhan for the Zhuhr Prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Let it get cooler.' He again wanted to call the Adhan, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, 'Let it get cooler,' until we saw the shadows of the hillocks become equal to their sizes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, 'The severity of heat is dispersed from Hellfire, so when the temperature gets very hot, pray (the Zhuhr Prayer) when it becomes cooler.' Al-Nasa'y also related on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, When it was very hot, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to delay the (Zhuhr) Prayer, and offered it earlier if it was very cold. Al-Bukhari related a similar Hadith.It is better to delay the Zhuhr Prayer until it is cooler in accordance with this Hadith and the meanings of other Hadith that give evidence about delaying it only when it is very hot. In all other situations, you should adhere to the original ruling. It is better for you to follow the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and delay the Adhan in times of intense heat until it is cooler, and to hasten in offering it in the beginning of its time other than that, seeking excellence, many rewards from Allah, and to make things easier for people. As the Adhan is called at the beginning of the time for the Prayer in the intense heat, (Part No. 6; Page No. 119) everyone should hasten to offer the Salah in congregation and try to pray together. Do not be divided, as praying in congregation is obligatory and division is forbidden. You should not commit this sin while trying to gain the merit of delaying the Zhuhr Prayer. Do not dispute with one another or you will fail and lose your strength.As for the `Isha' Prayer, Al-Bukhari and Muslim related a Hadith on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to perform the Zhuhr Prayer in the midday heat, the `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer when the sun was bright, the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer when the sun had completely set, and the `Isha' Prayer, he sometimes delayed it and sometimes (offered) it early. When he saw that they (his Companions) had assembled, he (prayed) early, and when he saw them coming late, he delayed (the prayer). As for Subh (Morning) Prayer, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) observed it in the darkness (before the day breaks). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.