Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am employed at a small Muslim organization. The rest of the workers are predominantly Shafi. We all pray Jama’a together for both Dhuhr and Asr. The thing is that they pray Asr at an earlier time, according to the Shafi madhab, and as a Hanafi, it is not time as yet. I have two options, either not take part in the Jama’a and pray by myself later, or I can take part in the earlier Jama’a. Out of those two options, which would be better? I would very much like to take part in Jama’a for the extra barakah.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, and all blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad, his Folk, Companions and those who follow their noble way,
Walaikum assalam,
Praying with the earlier congregation would be allowed in the Hanafi school, as the early Asr time is also a sound position in the Hanafi school, being the position of the two main students of Imam Abu Hanifa. It can be followed in this and similar situations.
Wassalam,
Faraz