Know Your Deen

March 8, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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zakah is to purify!

Question: Asa: can you make the zakat issue less complicated. We have 401k matters, now this DCPP case, how do we know if we give zakat or not. What are the underlying trigger points to give zakat. No body gives a str8 answer. When I call (name of zakah foundation withheld by this website) they say to give full amount on everything, they doubled my zakah giving. Poor are poor bhai I cannot become poor because they are poor. You made it less complicated but bhai I am still confused. But I liked you answer more. Alhamdulillah you are clearer. So lets put this issue to rest. WHAT ARE THE UNDERLYING TRIGGER POINTS BASED ON HANAFEE MADHAB TO GIVE ZAKAH. JAZAKALLAH

Answer: Walaikumsalam: May Allah (SWT) reward you for your patience and sincere concern concerning Zakah. I completely understand your frustration and I appreciate benefiting form this platform. Let me make this straightforward as possible.

Underlying Trigger Points for Zakah (Hanafi Madhab)

In the Hanafi school, Zakah becomes obligatory when the following conditions are met:

Ownership & Accessibility – You must fully own the asset and have control over it. If an asset is inaccessible Zakah is not due until it becomes accessible. Example: you inherit 100K, however, they do not give you access to it, they tell you that you would only get it in 10 years, while you are waiting, you would not pay zakah ever on that amount, once you get it, from then on, if you eligible to give zakah, you would give on it. Why? Because in this scenario you do not have access or direct ownership to any of it!
Nisab Threshold – Your Zakatable wealth (gold, silver, cash, business assets, and investments) must meet or exceed the Nisab threshold, For example, if you have:
- 87.48 grams of gold (~3 ounces) or
- 612.36 grams of silver (~21.6 ounces)
- Cash, investments, and business inventory
- (Generally, having silver would be a trigger for you to give zakah, for silver has gone up in value in recent years compared to older ruling that ignored silve and only focused on gold.)
One Lunar Year (Hawlan al Hawl) – Zakah is due if you maintain Nisab-level wealth for an entire lunar year. Every year this amount changes, so keep up with this new information. Let say you had nisab at it was $X at first of ramadaan, even though it went to zero (or $100 million), however, on the first of Ramadan of the following year you only had $X + $999, you will only give zakah on this total amount that you have.
Debt Consideration – If you have immediate due debts, they can be deducted from your total assets before calculating Zakah. For example, you owe a friend $1000 and payments are not fixed and he can ask you for it at any time, this is what is refered to an immediate debt. However, long-term debts (e.g., mortgages with monthly payments) do not exempt you from Zakah, as only immediate debts are deducted.

How This Applies to 401(k) & DCPP

401(k) & DCPP Before Withdrawal: If your plan has employee contributions that you own (even if penalties apply for early withdrawal), then you must pay Zakah on the portion you control and will have access to after all consequences. Simply put, what ever amount you can get in your ‘hands, from that amount’ you give zakah on that. So lets say you have 100K, after penalties, taxes, other costs associated with it, you only would be able to get 40K in hand, than zakah is only due on 40K.
401(k) & DCPP After Withdrawal/Retirement: Once the funds are accessible, Zakah is due annually on the entire amount if it meets Nisab. If you cannot access it prior to retirement, no zakah is due until you ‘get it in your hand.’
If you have a DCPP account that you have full access of and control of, than naturally zakah becomes obligatory, and the amount would be in this case, the amount after penalties, taxes, etc, if they apply.

Final word:

If you own and control and naturally have access to the funds → Zakah is due.
If you cannot access not control them, even if they tell you own it → No Zakah until accessible.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Please take the above to someone you trust and they can make it clear for you. However, i think the above is clear as daylight.

March 6, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP) and zakah

Question:
Is Zakah due on funds held in a Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP) if the money is locked within the account and the account holder cannot withdraw the money before retirement?

Answer:

A Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP) is a retirement savings plan wherein contributions are made by the employer and/or employee, however the contributed funds are locked and cannot be accessed until retirement. If such is the case, let us continue:

Based on the principles of Zakah, the following are improtant:

1) Ownership and Accessibility: Zakah is only obligatory on assets that an individual fully owns and can freely access. If one has money in an account and only has access to 80% of it, then zakah will only be on that 80% the individual has access to. One will only give zakah on what they have free access to.

In the case of a DCPP account, the account holder owns the funds but cannot withdraw the funds until a specific retirement age. Thus, due to the owner not being an owner in the traditional sense of ownership of having free access, due to this limitation, they do not become eligible to give zakah on monies in the DCPP account. Likewise, wealth that is inaccessible due to restrictions beyond one’s control, such as unpaid wages, frozen assets, inheritance that is not released to its rightful owners, etc. will not have zakah due on it. (However, if this not the case for the inquirer, than they will only give zakah on the amount they have access to.)

Ruling on Inaccessible Wealth: Since the funds are inaccessible before retirement, they are not subject to Zakah annually.

Zakah Upon Withdrawal: Once the individual reaches retirement age and can access the funds, Zakah becomes obligatory only on the amount in their possession if it meets the nisab (the minimum Zakah threshold).

If the individual withdraws a lump sum, they must pay Zakah on the entire amount if it remains in their possession for a lunar year. If they receive monthly pension payments, Zakah is due only on the remaining amount at the end of the Zakah year.

May Allah (SWT) bless you for wanting to do the right thing.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 27, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

An Eid inquiry already?!

Q: I will be traveling in last days of Ramadan. If i arrive at destination point and it is eid and so i will be fasting one less. Do i have to fast on the eid day?

A: If you arrive at a place where Eid is being observed, and as a result, you have fasted one day less, you should make up for the missed fast on another day. However, fasting on the day of Eid is not permitted.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 25, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Moon sighting methods adopted

Q: My dad attends (place name withheld) while I go to xxxx for Jumuah. The place my dad attends claims to follow moon sighting 100%, and he believes all other methods are wrong. Some people follow calculations, some follow Makkah, others follow their home countries, local moon sighting, local masjids, or councils of theologians. Can you help me understand this issue? My friends and I are eager for your response. Please keep it brief, simple and to the point. The local imam I spoke to made it so complicated that I knew something was wrong. No disrespect—just looking for clarity. JAK

Answer: This is an important question. To fully grasp the issue of moon sighting, one must recognize that multiple perspectives exist and most people have not examined the matter in depth beyond an occasional inquiry. The various approaches to moon sighting can be broadly categorized as follows: (These 7 are limited, for many more combinations exist.)

1. Following Saudi Arabia: Some individuals and communities align their calendar with Saudi Arabia’s official announcement, regardless of local conditions or scientific data. They accept Saudi Arabia’s claim without question, even when astronomical evidence suggests otherwise. Their justification is often based on the idea of Muslim unity or becoming one with the Ummah. However, unity has never truly been achieved through the celebration of Eid or other religious occasions—whether collectively or separately. This notion warrants further discussion, but from a religious standpoint, there is no clear evidence supporting such an approach.

2. Strictly Calculation-Based Approach: This group relies entirely on astronomical calculations to determine the new moon’s birth, without requiring a physical sighting. Some apply this method for Ramadaan but not for Hajj, while others adopt it selectively when convenient. Although proponents of this approach present themselves as scientific and unity-driven, their selective application raises questions about consistency. From an Islamic perspective, there is no definitive religious evidence supporting an exclusively selective-calculation-based approach.

3. Calculation-Based with Saudi Alignment: This approach follows astronomical data but ensures alignment with Saudi Arabia’s official declaration, even when Saudi Arabia’s sighting is not based on scientific evidence.

4. Local Moon Sighting (U.S.): This group insists on a physical sighting within the United States and disregards reports from other regions. However, they incorporate scientific data as a means of verifying the credibility of witnesses.

5. Regional Moon Sighting (U.S. and Adjacent Countries): This perspective expands the definition of “local” to include neighboring countries, such as Canada and even parts of Mexico.

6. Global Moon Sighting: Some adhere to reports from any country claiming to have sighted the moon, regardless of geographical distance or the reliability of verification methods. In some instances, these verification processes are sparse or inconsistent.

7. Visual Verification (hadith) coupled with Scientific Verification/probabilities/possibilities: This approach which I personally prioritize, gives preference to moon sightings that are both scientifically substantiated and visually confirmed through credible witnesses. It seeks to uphold both religious authenticity, as established in Hadith and scientific accuracy, ensuring a method that satisfies both theological and empirical criteria. At present, CrescentWatch appears to be one of the institutions closest to fulfilling this standard.

The issue of moon sighting is not simply a matter of calculations versus physical observation anymore. It is deeply entangled in politics, sectarian divides, misinformation, cultural traditions and rigid dogmatism. A truly comprehensive understanding requires a nuanced and balanced approach—one that integrates scientific evidence, religious texts and historical practice.

I firmly believe that we should not blindly follow foreign countries, particularly those with documented human rights violations. Instead, we must follow, uphold, or refine existing methods that align with the Qur’an and Sunnah, just as previous generations did. There is no compelling reason to follow those who show a blatant disregard for human dignity and honor. While this issue may never be fully resolved, understanding these differing perspectives allows for a more informed and thoughtful approach. It also fosters the recognition that, despite disagreements, many individuals sincerely believe in their respective positions. I hope this discussion has provided clarity and insight into this complex topic.

May Allah (SWT) reward for searching for the truth. Please read Zaytuna’s (Shaykh Hamza Yusuf’s) opinion on this matter as well for more insight.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Please type in the key search box moon sighting, etc for more of our previous responses.

February 24, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Forget 4 wives at once, get an education at once!

Q: Asalamu’Alaykum shaykhuna. A child at (time and location withheld) asked a question in an event held at (xxxx-name of institution withheld) 1st how did the moderators allow the question to go through 2nd as an imaam dont you feel that these questions allow for evil thoughts to permeate in a musjid setting are inappropriate. The child asked can a man have 4 wives n be w all of them at the same time? We had people over at lunch on sunday and this was the conversation and many adults felt that you have really gone over board with your liberal ways. These are 11 to 16 yr olds for gods sake. What was going through the musjids mind when they were planning events. Also, how would you answer this question? Jazakumallah, Aa Ahsanal Jaza

A: Walaikumsalam, May Allah (SWT) reward you for avoiding gossip and asking me directly about this matter. I was not present at the event. This event was held by some passionate folks within our community that intended well. I agree, intention alone in Islam is not good enough. For the good, may Allah (SWT) reward them, for any short comings, may Allah (SWT) forgive us all. My position does not allow me to control speech and inquiries of anyone, however, here is a response for those concerned.

First and foremost, here is my thought process: The above question by the child likely slipped through moderation due to oversight. While the masjid maintains decorum, youth have genuine curiosity and shutting down questions can push them to seek answers elsewhere. The response should be educational yet modest, redirecting the discussion to responsibilities and also upholding the law of the land. Not being present, I do not know how it was responded to, however, knowing the guest, I think he may have answered it well. Future events should pre-screen questions and have a clear framework for handling sensitive topics appropriately in a larger public setting. As for your other inquires and implications, Insha’Allah, if time permits, I will answer them after Ramadaan.

My response to the child: As a child, your focus should be on your education, excelling in your studies and securing a stable future before thinking about marriage. Life brings many responsibilities—being a spouse and a parent requires emotional, financial, and social maturity. Personal growth is equally important; developing emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will prepare you for the challenges of adulthood.

Allah says in the Quran: If you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one. (Surah An-Nisa 4:3). In the USA, the law prohibits having multiple wives at once, and as Muslims, we are guided by another principle: Do not place yourself or your family in harm. Thus, in reality, there would be no need to go further with your question. However, let me further enrich you as a child a little more.

For those in countries where polygamy is permitted, it is accompanied by significant responsibilities—ensuring financial stability, providing emotional care, and maintaining absolute fairness between spouses. These duties are not to be taken lightly, as they demand a high level of wisdom, maturity, and self-discipline. The Quran explicitly warns against injustice in such matters, stating: You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives, even if it is your ardent desire (4:129). This serves as a reminder that polygamy is not merely a right filled with games and fun but a profound responsibility that requires careful consideration, spiritual grounding and a sincere commitment to upholding justice and compassion in all aspects of life.

If I may add, the manner in which you have asked the question implies that you are viewing polygamy in the manner articulated in western culture via a stereotypical lens — as something fun and game. Thus, it is more important that you are thought the basics of Islam and Islamic character than the topics possibly discussed at the event. Knowledge comes in stages, skipping a stage causes larger foundational issues.

So young man, I am sure you mean well, and I am sure you wanted to humor your friends with this question, however, if you have all of the above in place, you are welcome to ask this question again, this time to me, and I will answer how you can live with four wives while married to them all at once in a country that allows for it.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. As an imam, I also teach adult related matters to youth, however, I do it through a book called Talemul-Haqq for beginners and from a book called Reliance of the Traveler for those at college. These books do not dive directly into sexuality, but rather cover the basics and works it way to the most essential matters. Your child is welcome to join.

February 12, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

7-11 halal or haram

Q: Asa

I own a 7-11 and today my child went to Sunday school and the new mufti refused to take the tuition and said to my children you can come for free. The money of 7-11 is haram and he would not accepted this as payment. Is owning a 7-11 haram? Another shikh said it was ok to own a 7-11. Plse help.

A: Walaikumsalam:
As Muslims, it is not permissible for us to consume what Allah (SWT) has forbidden, sell what is prohibited, or even give it away as a gift. Doing so knowingly and intentionally is undoubtedly a sin. Rasool (ﷺ) said: Indeed, Allah is pure and only accepts that which is pure. (Hadith)
If something is haram, we must strive to replace it with that which is halal. If this is not possible, then the wealth acquired through haram means cannot be used for oneself or for innocent family members. Such money must be disposed of in charity, without the expectation of any reward, as it is impure. Allah (SWT) commands: O you who have believe, eat from the good (lawful) things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah, if it is (indeed) Him that you worship. (2:172)
Regarding the concern of the ‘mufti,’ it is likely that he wishes to keep the masjid funds free from any doubtful sources, as Islam teaches us to avoid matters of doubt. Rasool (ﷺ) said: That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor. (Hadith)
What you can do is seek a more religiously compliant business opportunity that ensures your earnings are pure and free of doubt. May Allah (SWT) bless you for your sincerity in this matter and guide you to what is best.
This response is not meant to be judgmental but rather a religious clarification on behalf of why you experienced such a reaction from the scholar. We are not saying to own 7-11 is halal or haram, that is separate issue all together. (It depends the country in which it is owned, products kept, etc.)
Allah certainly knows best.

February 12, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

zakat is separate from paying for services

Q: At Ramadan time employers give the employees zakaat money. Does this qualify as zakaat given? Can we accept zakaat from our company? JAK.

A:Asalamualikum, Your inquiry is vague. For learning purposes, let me shed some clarity to your potential inquiry.

Zakah is an obligation that falls under the category of fard (the mandatory). It has specific stipulations and requirements associated with it, and it should not be given with the expectation of a return or personal gain. Zakah is intended to empower the recipient, providing genuine support to those in need. Similarly, Rasool ﷺ said: Whoever gives charity with the intention of seeking reward from Allah, Allah will return to him(her) more than what s/he gave. (Sahih Muslim)

Giving Zakah incorrectly has in it the potential to invalidate the act of giving zakah and disqualify it from being accepted by Allah (SWT) as Zakah. Just like going to Hajj to the wrong place or in the wrong month invalidates the deed, such can also apply to Zakah.

Let us help you understand this with a scenario: If an employee in a given industry earns $3,200 before taxes for 40 hours of work, has a family, and their rent, utilities, and living expenses are around $2,800 and it is clear that this individual is the sole income earner in their household; and you are paying them according to industry standards, including overtime where stipulated, and you know that they are responsible with their finances but are currently facing temporary hardship, it would be permissible to provide them with Zakah if they qualify as per Nisab rules due to their financial situation.

However, it is crucial to remember that Zakah is not to be given with the expectation of receiving a return or as an investment or work related loyalties. As a precautionary measure, the zakah should not be given with the regular paycheck either, it should be given separately and with the intention that the employer is not seeking anything in return and given as a separate gift.

As an added separate note, Allah (SWT) instructs us in the Quran: O you who have believed, do not nullify your charities with reminders or injury, like one who spends his/her wealth to show off to people and does not believe in Allah – 2:264. Thus, employers should be cautious of how they dispense their Fard obligation.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 12, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Do I need to be circumcised? (As an adult male)

Q: I became a Muslim a couple of years ago. I am male. Do I need to be circumcised? Is a person excused from it due to being adult?

A: Congratulations on embracing Islam!

Islam is a religion that aligns with fitrah (natural disposition), which emphasizes cleanliness and purity. Circumcision is part of this practice, as highlighted in the following hadith: Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Rasool (ﷺ) said: Ibrahim (peace be upon him) circumcised himself when he was eighty years old, and he circumcised himself with an axe (a large blade). (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

Circumcision is an emphasized Sunnah and serves as a symbol of one’s faith. The Shafi and Hanbali schools consider it wajib (Necessary/obligatory), while others like the Hanafi and Maliki schools regard it as a Sunnah Muakkadah (highly emphasized/recommended practice). Thus, from the various schools of thought, one can see its importance.

Rasool (ﷺ) also said: Five are acts of fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, trimming the mustache, clipping the nails, and plucking the armpit hair. (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

As for whether one is excused from circumcision, a mature person is generally not exempt without a valid reason, such as a medical risk or significant harm. A person considering circumcision as an adult has the following options:

Perform it yourself (this may not recommended unless you have medical or such experience or knowledge).
Have your wife assist you (provided she is knowledgeable and it does not lead to complications).
Seek a qualified doctor or medical professional, which is the safest and most advisable approach.

Ultimately, while circumcision is a emphasized Sunnah and an aspect of fitrah, if there are serious health risks, scholars advise that one may be excused. Thus, you also need to seek the advice of a good practicing Muslim doctor. There are medical doctors that are also scholars in sharia, and it may also be best to contact them as well. To neglect doing the circumcision without reason and justification would be a sin. May Allah (SWT) make matters easy for you.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 9, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

zakah on gold plated, yes or no and 9ct

Question: is there zakah on gold plated jewry? How about low carat gold like 9ct? I heard something but the khateeb was not clear.
Answer:
Gold-Plated Jewelry:

If the jewelry is merely gold-plated (i.e., it has a thin layer of gold over a base metal like copper or silver), it does not qualify as “gold.” Therefore, there is no Zakah on gold-plated jewelry because the gold content is negligible and does not reach the threshold (Nisab) for Zakah.
Low-Carat Gold (e.g., 9ct):
- If the jewelry is made of low-carat gold, such as 9ct (which contains 37.5% gold), it is considered mixed with other metals. Zakah is only obligatory on gold that is 50% pure or more. Since 9ct gold contains less than 50% gold, there is no Zakah on it.
- If the gold content reaches or exceeds 50% (e.g., 12ct or higher), Zakah becomes obligatory if the total gold you own meets or exceeds the Nisab.
General Rule for Zakah on Gold:
- Zakah is only due on gold that is pure or predominantly gold (50% or more). The Nisab must be met, and the gold must be owned for at least one lunar year (Hawl).

Allah Certainly knows best.

February 9, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Fajr sunnah is there make up?

Question: 1) Ramadan is approaching and I go to a Mazjid in which we had a conversation and based on YouTube videos, I’m getting contradictory responses on the 2 rakats before fajr salah, is it fard or just a sunnah. Can one pray it after the fard prayer, how about after the iqama? Or after sunrise? Are there any proofs we can cross check. Please only share Hanafi views. Jak 6/13/2023

Question:2) ASA: Is the 2 rakats before fajr a subcontinent thing or all muslims and all madhabs thing? Do fard not have preference over Sunnah. I just follow quran and hadith. 11/19/2024

Question: 3) Asalamulaikum WRB, Based on the above Hadith, why there is an opinion that one can offer 2 rakat fajr sunnat even if imam started fard provided it finishers one that has time to complete sunnah. Narrated Malik Ibn Buhaina: Allah’s Apostle passed by a man praying two Rakat after the Iqama (had been pronounced). When Allah’s Apostle completed the prayer, the people gathered around him (the Prophet) or that man and Allah’s Apostle said to him (protesting), Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer? Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer?” 01/30/2025

Answers: Walaikumsalam,

We live in an era where it is fashionable for some to claim, “I just follow Quran and Hadith” while dismissing the opinions of scholars or established schools of thought when it is self-fulling. Such folks, in their attempt to ‘purify their practice,’ they inadvertently fall into the trap of acting as their own mujtahid – religious expert. At times, they also give the impression that the positions of a school of thought are merely the views of individuals – detached from any evidence rooted in the Quran or Hadith. This kind of thinking not only misleads many but also reduces the profound spiritual rewards that come from adhering to a well-grounded tradition, as cherry-picking evidence undermines the holistic understanding of Islamic teachings.
Moving forward, I will outline a set of proofs to share with you. First, I apologize for the delay in my response. It is important to remember that rulings in Islam are not based on mere conjecture or isolated Hadiths without a thorough understanding of their context. With that in mind, let us begin.

Clarification on Praying Sunnah After the Iqama Based on Hanafi Principles

The Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari states that the Rasool ﷺ saw a man performing two rakah after the Iqama had been given for Fajr. Rasoolﷺ then asked him: Are there four rakahs of Fajr? (Sahih Bukhari)

Some have narrowly interpret this as a prohibition against praying any Sunnah after the Iqama, meaning that if a person has not yet prayed the Sunnah of Fajr, they should abandon it entirely and proceed directly to the congregational prayer. A better interpretation as also accounted by the Ahnaf — while upholding the sanctity of this Hadith, reconciles this hadith with other authentic narrations to present a more comprehensive understanding.

1. Contextualizing the Hadith: Was This an Absolute Prohibition?

Rasool ﷺ’s question to the sahabi is not because he (saw) did not know the answer, nor was it a rebuke, it appears to be a corrective measure, emphasizing the importance of joining the congregation on time and try to not be late. The Hadith does not explicitly state that the Sunnah of Fajr cannot be prayed at all after the Iqama. However, if one decides to pray after the Iqama, it comes with condition associated with it — one of them being, the Muqeem (person to join the salah) would at least get one Rakah with the Imaam.

2. Relevant Hadith for better Understanding: Rasool ﷺ ordered making up the Sunnah of Fajr if missed:

Qays ibn Qahd (RA) reported that he prayed Fajr with the Prophet ﷺ, but he had not prayed the two Sunnah before it. So after Fajr, he began praying two rak‘ahs. The Prophet ﷺ saw him and said, “What are these two rak‘ahs?” He replied, “O Messenger of Allah, I did not pray the two rak‘ahs before Fajr, so I am making them up now.” The Prophet ﷺremained silent. (Sunan Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi,)

This shows that missing the Sunnah of Fajr does not mean it should be abandoned entirely but rather some have derived from this example 1) Its emphasis 2)It can be made up later.

3. Rasool ﷺ’s emphasis on the Sunnah of Fajr:

Rasool ﷺ said: The two rak‘ahs of Fajr are better than the world and everything in it. (Sahih Muslim)

Rasool ﷺ also said: Do not leave the two rak‘ahs of Fajr, even if you are trampled by horses. (Sunan Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah)

Such strong statements indicate that the Sunnah of Fajr is not something to be permanently abandoned if missed, the above also imply that one should make an earnest effort to complete it.

4. Thus, the Hanafi Ruling Prioritizing Both Sunnah and Congregation

The Hanafi School, based on the view of varying Hadiths, provides a nuanced ruling. Here are common scenarios we have seen take place and their responses:

Scenario 1: The Person Has Not Yet Started the Sunnah When the Iqama is Called

If one has not yet started the Sunnah of Fajr and the Iqama is called, then they should proceed directly to the congregation and pray the Sunnah after the Fard prayer but before sunrise, more so if they know that they not even going to get a Rakah with the imaam. As one is aware, Imaams read in varying lengths, some long and some short, if one is aware of the imams pattern, this can resolve this matter for them.

Scenario 2: The Person Has Already Started the Sunnah When the Iqama is Called

If one has already begun the Sunnah when the Iqama is called and is confident they can finish quickly and still catch the congregation, then they may complete it.

This is based on reports where some companions finished their Sunnah quickly before joining the Fard prayer, and Rasool ﷺ did not prohibit it. However, if there is a risk of missing the congregation is present, then it is better to stop the Sunnah and join immediately and then do a makeup for the broken (sunnah) salah. Makeup is necessary because Allah (SWT) states in the Quran, do not break your good action. (paraphrased.)

Scenario 3: Making Up the Sunnah of Fajr After Fard Prayer

If a person misses the Sunnah of Fajr due to the Iqama being called, they have the option to pray it immediately after the Fard prayer, so long as it is after sunrise. If they did so after the Fajr salah, although this would work, it is better they did it privately, so as to not show people they they were neglectful. We should conceal our sins and errors, not make them public.

5. Reconciling the Hadith in Bukhari with Other Ahadith

Insisting on a strict approach of only considering the Hadith in Bukhari and concluding that the Sunnah should be abandoned if missed is incorrect as outlined. This approach ignores other authentic narrations that clarify the ruling, as noted above.

The correct methodology is:

To gather all related narrations on a topic. To see the actions of the Rasool ﷺ and his companions, not just isolated actions or statements. To derive a ruling that harmonizes all authentic evidence, rather than relying on a single Hadith to the exclusion of others. The Hanafi school does precisely this by giving priority to the consistent practice of the Rasool ﷺ and his companions over an isolated incident that might have been situational.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. The above also reflects the opinion of Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله), Imam Muhammad (رحمه الله) (student of Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله)). It is also the opinion of Imam Shafi (رحمه الله), Imam Malik (رحمه الله), and Imam Ahmad bin hanbal (رحمه الله). (Please also read Kitabul Fatawa vol. 1 pg. 174). Sure, the wording for each them may differ, but they share such thinking on this matter.