Q: why do some scholars promote having jummah khutba before the time of zawal? To be specific a scholar that usually gives khutba at musjid (name withheld) said that it is okay to have khutba before the zohar time. Therefore we can have it before zawal. This is creating a problem in a society that we travel and go around. The idea of jummah prayer is to unite the ummah and learn and do things right. please comment?

A: Only Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal allows for the jummah Khutba to be done before zawal. Therefore, if one was/is to do it, it should be done out of necessity.  Not to be different or just for mere convenience.  However, the majority (imaams shafee, malik, hanafee) say that the khutba must be done after zawal. In actions of worship we should always be cautious. When there are multiple opinions, we should take the one that is most safe. Based on this, it should be done after zawal.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.