Is there a Hadith which states that the Fajr of Jumu’ah is better or more rewarding than Jumu’ah Salah itself ? If so can you mention the reference and it’s authentication.
Answer
I have not come across a Hadith which states that the Fajr of Jumu’ah is better than Jumu’ah Salah itself. However there are narrations which state that no Salah is more virtuous than the Fajr of Jumu’ah. Hereunder are these narrations:
1) Imam Bazzar and Imam Tabarani (rahimahumallah) have recorded the following narration:
Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn Al Jarrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“There is no Salah more virtuous than Fajr Salah on a Friday in congregation, I don’t think any of you will attend [this congregation], except that he will be forgiven”
(Musnad Bazzar; Kashful Astar, vol. 1 pg. 298, Hadith: 621, Al Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 366 and Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 186. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 2 pg. 168)
The above Hadith has been reported with a chain that consists of narrators who are weak independently. However Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has pointed out three narrators, whom although independently may just be weak, but when they come together and report from each other, that text is declared as a fabrication. These three narrators have appeared in the chain of this Hadith.
(Kitabul Majruhin Minal Muhaddithin, vol. 2 pg. 28/29. Also see Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 3 pg. 9 -5090-)
2) Imam Abu Nu’aym and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded the following narration:
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The best Salah in the sight of Allah Ta’ala is the Fajr of Friday which is performed in congregation”
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 7 pg. 207, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2783 and Kitabu Fadhailil Awqat, Hadith: 288)
This Hadith does not promise the reward of forgiveness as the first Hadith, but has been reported with a reliable chain.
However Imam Daraqutni and others have stated that the correct version is that this narration is the statements of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) and not of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) is also of this view.
(Refer: Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, vol. 1 pg. 458, Hadith: 785, Talkhisu Kitabil ‘Ilal Al Mutanahiyah, Hadith: 434. Also see Fathul Bari of Hafiz Ibn Rajab Al Hambali, vol. 4 pg. 25 and Al Mudawi of Shaykh Ahmad Siddiq Al Ghumari, vol. 2 pg. 68, Hadith: (1273)/641)
Explanation
These narrations state that the best ‘Salah‘ is the Fajr of Jumu’ah, however ‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) states that the best ‘congregation‘ is the Jumu’ah congregation.
(Faydul Qadir, under Hadith: 1273)
Summary
The second narration can be quoted. However it should be quoted as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, and it will be understood that he has heard this from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) since he could have not made this up using his own logic.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar