Is it permissible to begin the greeting of the mosque while the mu'adhdhin is calling to prayer?
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The questioner : A man entered the mosque; naturally, he wants to pray two rak'ahs. The mu'adhdhin is calling to prayer. Does he pray, or does he wait for the mu'adhdhin to finish?
The Shaykh : Both are permissible, and the better option is to wait. Both are permissible in the sense that if he begins the greeting of the mosque while the mu'adhdhin is calling, it is permissible, because responding to the mu'adhdhin is recommended, not obligatory. However, combining the two matters—waiting until he responds to the mu'adhdhin, and when he finishes that and completes other things after the response, such as sending blessings upon the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and seeking the means of intercession for him, and then praying the greeting of the mosque—this is what is better.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : And you as well.
The Shaykh : Both are permissible, and the better option is to wait. Both are permissible in the sense that if he begins the greeting of the mosque while the mu'adhdhin is calling, it is permissible, because responding to the mu'adhdhin is recommended, not obligatory. However, combining the two matters—waiting until he responds to the mu'adhdhin, and when he finishes that and completes other things after the response, such as sending blessings upon the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and seeking the means of intercession for him, and then praying the greeting of the mosque—this is what is better.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : And you as well.