[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Q: “Is there any excuse to miss the Friday prayer, due to work?”[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A: It is a fundamental practice in fiqh (Islamic law) to pray the Friday prayer. It is an individual obligation that concerns every adult Muslim male (i.e. it is non-obligatory for females). The Qur’anic evidence is in Suratul Jumu’ah Verses 9-10: “Oh ye who believe, when the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business and that is best for you if you but knew (9) And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land, and seek of the bounty of Allah and remember Allah frequently, that you may prosper (10).”[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]In the sunnah, Imam Ahmad and Muslim both narrated that Ibn Mas’oud (radiallaahu ‘anhu) reported the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) to have said for some people who missed the Friday prayer “I considered instructing a man to lead the prayer, then to set fire to the houses of those who miss the prayer on Friday.”[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Again, Muslim narrated from Abu Hurairah (radiallaahu ‘anhu) and Ibn Umar (radiallaahu anhumaa) heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying from the minbar (pulpit), “Those who are missing the Friday prayer should abstain from that or Allah may stamp on their hearts, then they will be among those far from Allah.”[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Muslim scholars are agreed on the obligation of Friday prayer. However, there may be a legitimate excuse. That may be in the case of a person who is in charge of a security post during the last call for the prayer. This is applicable for any duty of national interest, e.g. police and traffic officers, wireless, telephones, intelligence officers or any others whose duty is of national security and welfare importance (During the last call for the prayer). Those could be excused from praying Friday prayer or any other prayer in congregation. Allah says, “So fear Allah as much as you can”. Surah At-Taghabun (64), verse 16.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Also, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Keep away from anything that I have instructed you to avoid and fear Allah to the best of your capability”. This of course, does not mean that you may leave Dhuhr prayer. No. You should pray it in its time. Other excuses not to pray in congregational prayers are the likes of chronic diseases and fear (i.e. being harmed) to join the assembly.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]We advise you as well as ourselves to fear Allah alone, and do decent works, recite the Qur’an frequently and do accordingly, read useful books and accompany good people. Hold to your religion. Look for another job that which does not contradict with your prayer time and religious rites. Allah will give you an alternative.[/FONT]
