Is it permissible to pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (the greeting prayer) upon entering the mosque while the Imam is delivering the Friday sermon?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible and recommended to pray two rak'ahs of prayer if one enters the mosque while the Imam is delivering the sermon, provided there is sufficient time within the sermon period to complete the prayer, equivalent to at least one rak'ah. This view is held by Al-Hasan, Ibn Uyaynah, Makhul, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir. The evidence for this is the narration of Jabir where the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded a man who had not prayed to stand up and perform rak'ah (or two rak'ahs in another narration). Furthermore, there is a clear text stating: "When one of you comes on Friday while the Imam is preaching, let him pray two rak'ahs and make them brief." This action is further supported by the general recommendation that upon entering the mosque, one should pray two rak'ahs before sitting, based on the established Hadith. If one enters during a time when praying is not prohibited, the Sunnah is to pray.
Supporting text
The opposing view, held by Shurayh, Ibn Sirin, Al-Nakha'i, Qatadah, Al-Thawri, Malik, Al-Layth, and Abu Hanifah, is that the person should sit down and it is disliked for him to perform rak'ah. The primary evidence cited is the Prophet’s command to a man who was stepping over people's necks, "Sit down, for you have caused annoyance and delay." Additionally, it is argued that the rak'ah would distract him from listening to the sermon, similar to the prayer of anyone entering when prayer is discouraged.