Q: My question is regarding Salatul Fajr. If Jamat is already going on, is it mandatory to pray 2 Rakah Junnah then join the congregational Salah or directly join the Jamat & later pray the 2 Rakah Sunnah. In that case when should we pray 2 Rakah Sunnah – immediately after Fardh Jamat is over or after the sunrise?
A: Haamidaw wa Musalliyaa
If it is possible to perform the Sunnah prayer and still join the congregation before the Imaam makes the Salaam, one should perform the Sunnah prayer and then join the congregation. However, if one would not be able to join the congregation if he engages in the Sunnah prayer, then he should join the congregation and perform the Sunnah prayer 10 minutes after sunrise.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Shafiq Jakhura (Mufti)
Fatwa Dept.