Question:
Based on my understanding the time for Jummah overlaps with Dhur. I understand there is a difference of opinion on the matter but my question is in regards to: does that include the Khutba itself, or can the Khutba start before Dhuhr as long as the prayer itself is during Dhuhr?
Answer:
The majority of scholars (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i—and many Hanbalis) hold that Jumu‘ah’s time is the same as Dhuhr, beginning after zawal (when the sun passes the zenith). On that view, both the khutbah and the two rak‘ahs must occur after Dhuhr begins.
A view in the Hanbalī school allows Jumuʿah slightly before zawāl. They cite: the ḥadīth of Jābir ibn ʿAbdillāh—“We used to pray Jumuʿah with the Messenger of Allah (saw), then we would go to our camels and let them rest when the sun had passed the meridian,” which many Hanbalī jurists understand to mean the prayer finished just before zawāl, with the sun passing the meridian as they left. Reported by Muslim (Kitāb al-Jumuʿah). And the report of Salamah ibn al-Akwaʿ, “We would pray Jumuʿah with the Messenger of Allah (saw), then return and the walls had no shade to seek shelter in,” indicating the time was at/near the zenith. Reported by al-Nasāʾī and Abū Dāwūd.
On this basis, some Hanbalī authorities permit beginning the jummah before zawāl.
If your local masjid begins a early, they’re likely following the hanbali view; stick with your congregation, and if you personally prefer caution, ask your local imam for the practice they follow.
Allah knows best.