Missing the Takbeer-e-Ula due to performing the Sunnah Salaah

At the onset, it should be borne in mind that by coming early for Salaah to the Masjid one will be able to perform his Sunnah Salaah comfortably before the Fardh Salaah commences, hence coming early for Salaah is commendable.

However, if one reaches the Masjid a few minutes before the Jamaat Salaah commences, then it will be permissible to commence with one’s Sunnah Salaah with the proviso that one is able to join the Imaam in the congregational Salaah. Yes, if there is fear of missing the congregational Salaah, then the Sunnah should be delayed until after the Fardh Salaah in the case of Zuhr, and until after sunrise in the case of Fajr. These are the only two instances where the Sunnah Salaah can be performed after the Fardh Salaah, if the Sunnah Salaah was missed before the congregational Salaah. Hence, it will best to try to complete the Sunnah Salaah first and get the Takbeer-e-Ula.