Q 3: We noticed that some people offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque) even if it is at a time when a person is not allowed to offer supererogatory Salah. Others may make up for the two supererogatory Rak`ahs that precede Fajr (Dawn) Prayer directly after performing Fajr Prayer. Is it permissible to do so?

A: Firstly: If one enters the Masjid at the time when one is not allowed to offer supererogatory Salah, he should not sit until he performs Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When anyone among you enters the Masjid, he should not sit till he observes two Rak`ahs." Secondly: As for the two Rak`ahs that have to be performed before Fajr Prayer, if there is not enough time to perform them before Fajr Prayer, then one can perform them after Fajr Prayer. Abu Dawud reported on the authority of Qays ibn `Amr who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saw a person performing two Rak`ahs after Fajr Prayer was over. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Fajr Prayer consists of two Rak`ahs.' The man replied: 'I did not perform the two Rak`ahs before Fajr Prayer. Hence I have offered them now.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) was silent." This denotes that if there is not enough time to perform the two Rak`ahs before Fajr Prayer, you are allowed to perform them after it. But it is better to perform them after the sun rises. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fails to perform the two supererogatory Rak`ahs before Fajr Prayer, then (he should) perform them after the sun rises." This Hadith was reported by Al-Tirmidhy. It was also reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak. Al-Hakim said that this Hadith is authentic according to the requirements stipulated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim though they did not report it. Al-Daraqutny and Al-Bayhaqy reported it in Al-Sunan. (Part No. 7; Page No. 276) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.