I entered the Masjid (mosque) while

Q 1: Please inform us of the preponderant opinion of scholars regarding whether it is permissible to offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque) and the Sunnah of Wudu' (ablution) Salahs (prayers) at the times in which offering supererogatory Salah is forbidden or not.

A: The preponderant opinion of scholars is that supererogatory Salah performed for a specific reason such as Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid, the two Rak`ahs of Tawaf (circumambulating the Ka`bah) and funeral Salah should be performed, even if it is during a time in which offering supererogatory Salah is forbidden or otherwise. However, it is unobjectionable to abstain from offering such Salahs at times in which offering supererogatory Salah is forbidden so as to combine between conflicting evidences on the issue. In fact, texts indicating that it is impermissible can be understood in the context of offering supererogatory Salah at these times without a specific reason. On the other hand, evidence to the effect of permissibility can be understood in the context of offering Salah at such times for urgent reasons. This is referred to by Shaykhul-Islam Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah and his disciple eminent scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim as well as other investigating scholars.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.