Question:

I have heard of mosques having two separate sermons in one mosque at different times. I understand the need for that with parking and overcrowding. The confusion is that the first one will be before the sun passes the zenith (before Dhuhr).

Answer:
In God’s name, to whom all praise is due…

The majority of jurists interpret a direct link between the time for the Friday sermon and prayer and the Dhuhr time, since Jumu‘ah replaces Thuhr. Many authentic hadiths indicate that the Prophet ﷺ prayed Jumu‘ah after the sun passed the zenith.

However, some scholars — including Imam al-Awzāʿī and al-Shawkānī — have held that it is permissible to perform Jumu‘ah slightly before Dhuhr time, though it is preferable to pray afterward. This opinion is supported by authentic narrations that the Prophet ﷺ occasionally prayed before the zenith due to specific circumstances.

Supporting Hadiths:

• “We used to pray Jumu‘ah with the Prophet ﷺ and then return to our homes and the walls didn’t have a shadow.” (Bukhārī 3935)

• “We used to pray Jumu‘ah with the Prophet ﷺ, then we would go home and let our camels drink and rest. Jaʿfar asked: What time was that? He replied: When the sun passed the zenith.” (Muslim 858)

• “ʿAmmar bin Yāsir led us in Jumu‘ah and there were two opinions among the congregation; some said the sun had passed the zenith and others said it hadn’t.” (Albānī, Al-Ajwiba 25)

When asked, the Permanent Committee for Fatwa in Saudi Arabia stated that the majority view is to perform Jumu‘ah after the sun passes the zenith.
Imam Ahmad and other jurists mention that performing it beforehand is valid but not preferred.

Conclusion:
Performing Jumu‘ah before Dhuhr is valid according to some opinions, but it is better and more correct to pray after the zenith.

Reference:
Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA)
http://www.amjaonline.org/fatwa-21553/infoD

Question:

I noticed an Imam leading two congregations of Jumu‘ah prayer and have heard that the scholars teach that the followers must have the same intention as the Imam for the prayer to be valid.

Answer:
In God’s name, to whom all praise is due…

Some scholars argue that both the Imam and congregation must share the same intention. However, classical evidence supports the permissibility of an Imam leading an obligatory prayer even if followers join with a voluntary intention.

Authentic Hadiths:

• “Muʿādh used to pray ʿIsha behind the Prophet ﷺ, then go to his people and lead them in prayer.” (Bukhārī 711, Muslim 465)

• “The Imam is to be followed by the congregation.” (Bukhārī 733)

This indicates that intention alignment is not a strict requirement. The hadith forbids physical movement before the Imam, not difference in prayer intention. Therefore, it is permissible for an Imam to lead a second congregation for legitimate logistical reasons (parking, overflow, etc.), even if some people attend the first and others the second.

Summary:

• Scholars emphasize that each person will be judged by their own intention (“Actions are by intentions”).

• There is no clear prohibition against multiple Jumu‘ah congregations if necessity arises.

• Both sermons by the same Imam are valid if the mosque cannot accommodate all worshippers at once.

Reference:
Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA)
👉 http://www.amjaonline.org/fatwa-1867/info

Question:

I have noticed a difference between the calculations for the time of Fajr. One calculation is almost 20 minutes more than the other. How can I be sure which one to use?

Answer (Summary):
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions used actual observation of dawn, not fixed angles. Astronomical methods today often differ based on when the first light (true dawn) becomes visible. Some calculations use 15° or 18° angles below the horizon, creating timing variations.

In Charlotte and other parts of North America, the 18° angle method often yields prayer times that are earlier than the actual dawn.
Local scholars recommend using an adjusted timing closer to 15° to ensure accuracy for our region.

Reference:

• “Soot and drink until dawn becomes clearly distinct from the night.” (Qur’an 2:187)

• For further reading:
  Facebook Discussion on True Dawn by Shaykh Rahman al-Jubayr
  Islamic Astronomy Article – 18 Degrees Debate

Question:

What is the ruling on celebrating secular holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, or birthdays?

Answer (Summary):
Islam distinguishes between religious celebrations (like Eid) and cultural observances (like national days). Scholars caution against imitating non-Islamic religious practices, but purely cultural or civic participation is generally permissible if it does not contradict Islamic principles.

Muslims should maintain their unique religious identity while engaging positively with society.
In summary, attending family meals or national events without a religious intent is permissible. However, celebrating in a way that imitates other faith rituals should be avoided.

Supporting Hadith:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Abu Dawud 4031)

Reference:
For detailed explanation, see Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah’s discussion:
Shaykh Bin Bayyah – Holidays and Civic Participation

Question:

What should we do if Eid falls on a Friday?

Answer (Summary):
If Eid and Jumu‘ah occur on the same day, the Prophet ﷺ granted concession for those who attended Eid prayer — they were not obligated to attend Jumu‘ah but still required to pray Dhuhr.

Evidence:

• Narration from Zayd bin Arqam (Abu Dawud 1070):

  “The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Two Eids have come together on this day, so whoever wishes, it will suffice him for Jumu‘ah.’”

Scholars differ:

• Hanbali opinion: Jumu‘ah becomes optional for those who attend Eid.

• Hanafi & Maliki opinion: Both prayers remain obligatory.

Conclusion:
For CMCC, the preferred view follows the Hanbali opinion — Eid attendees are excused from Jumu‘ah but should pray Dhuhr individually.

References:
Islam Q&A: Fiqh of Eid & Jumu‘ah Overlap

Question:

Should Muslims use the Arabic word Masjid instead of the English term Mosque?

Answer (Summary):
There is no harm in using either term.
While “masjid” is the Qur’anic Arabic term meaning “place of prostration,” “mosque” entered English centuries ago via Old French and Latin translations. The misconception that “mosque” means “house of flies” is a historical myth with no linguistic basis.

Guidance:
Muslims may use “mosque” in English contexts for clarity, while using “masjid” among the community maintains the Arabic terminology.

“Let’s not build on conspiracy theories; rather, let’s promote understanding through language.” — Imam John Ederer

Conclusion:
Using “mosque” is linguistically correct; using “masjid” preserves the Arabic spirit. Both are permissible.

Question:

Is it permissible for a Muslim to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Answer (Summary):
Valentine’s Day has pagan origins and has become associated with non-Islamic practices. Scholars who prohibit it do so to prevent imitation and protect moral boundaries.

However, some scholars argue that expressing love or appreciation within lawful relationships (such as between spouses) is permissible if done without engaging in forbidden practices.

Summary of Opinions:

• Majority: Discourage or prohibit public celebration due to imitation of non-Muslim rituals.

• Minority: Permissible if limited to private expressions of lawful affection and free from indecency.

CMCC Position:
The community should focus on Islamic alternatives that celebrate love and mercy year-round, without linking them to specific cultural festivals.

Reference:
Imam John Ederer – Pillars Mosqueof Charlotte