Q: Please advise if it is permissible for a muslim store to remain open during Jumah Salaah. The reason for remaining open as stated by the Manager is that the store was very busy and that there were many non-muslims having meals in the restaurant. The store was taken care of by the non muslim manager during the time of jumah.
A: Jumuah is amongst the salient symbols and features of Islam. Respecting the salient symbols of Islam is a sign of true faith. Allah Ta’aala says in the Holy Qur’aan:
وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّـهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ ﴿الحج: ٣٢﴾
And whoever respects the symbols of Allah Ta’aala, then such (respsct) is a sign of true piety of the heart. (Surah al-Hajj, Aayah 32)
If one does not respect the sacred features and symbols of Deen e.g. the Ka’bah Shareef, the Masaajid, the Jumuah Salaah, etc., then what will be left of Deen in the life of such a person? On the converse, if a person reveres and respects the sacred features and symbols of Deen and adheres to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’aala will bless him with true happiness, contentment. Hence out of respect for the Jumuah Salaah, which is a salient feature of Islam, a Muslim is ought to close his business. Insha-Allah, by doing so Allah Ta’aala will grant him increase and barakah in his sustenance.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (سورة الجمعة الآية 9)
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)