What is the ruling on performing the Friday prayer before midday (Zawal)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The soundest opinion, according to the majority of scholars, is that the time for Friday prayer is the time for Dhuhr prayer, and it is recommended to hasten it to the beginning of its time. Evidence for this includes the Hadith of Salama ibn al-Akwa' that they used to perform Jumu'ah with the Prophet after the sun passed its zenith, then return following the shade. Anas stated the Prophet prayed Jumu'ah when the sun inclined. This is argued because both prayers (Jumu'ah and Dhuhr) share the same time window, being substitutes for one another, and sharing the same end time implies sharing the same beginning time.
Supporting text
Some companions, including Ibn Mas'ud, Jabir, Sa'id, and Mu'awiyah, are reported to have prayed it before the zenith (Zawal). The القاضي (Al-Qadi) and his companions permit performing it during the time of Eid prayer, arguing that Jumu'ah is an Eid, citing the Prophet's statement: "Indeed, this is a day Allah made an Eid for the Muslims." Furthermore, evidence supporting permissibility before Zawal is found in the practice of the Prophet and his companions; Jabir reported praying Jumu'ah then resting their camels until the sun passed its zenith, and Sa'l bin Sa'd reported they did not take a midday nap or lunch until after Jumu'ah during the Prophet's era. Imam Ahmad reported witnessing the prayer before midday under Abu Bakr and Umar, without objection.