Details of Iḥtiyāṭ al-Ẓuhr (Precautionary Ẓuhr Prayer)

Question

In Bengal there are scattered settlements composed of small villages. Earlier scholars who examined these areas (such as Ḥakīm al-Ummah and others) held that these places do not qualify as a “large village” according to fiqh. Nevertheless, Jumu‘ah has been held there for a long time. After Jumu‘ah, each person individually performs four rak‘ahs called “Iḥtiyāṭ al-Ẓuhr.” Recently some scholars began saying that this practice is prohibited and an evil innovation, presenting certain fiqh texts as evidence.

Answer

The issue of Iḥtiyāṭ al-Ẓuhr is not established directly by the Qur’an, Hadith, statements of the Companions, or the Mujtahid Imams. Some scholars introduced it as a precaution to ensure release from liability. Over time it developed into various practices, sometimes even being treated as obligatory or superior to Jumu‘ah, which led to disputes.

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