Q: I would like to know if there is any labour law that states that an employee is allowed to take his or her breaks at work when it is Salaah times eg. @1pm for Zuhr then Asr, Maghrib & Esha & for the month of Ramadaan do we as muslims have the right to not work compulsory late shifts in this month in order for us to be able to perform our Tarawih Salaah. I work in a call centre enviroment & our break times are always scheduled to us out of Salaah times & some weeks we have to work late shifts from 11am to 8pm & early from 7am to 4:30pm & we are restricted to take our breaks together. I am always making my salaah past the time. I really feel very depressed when I am at work or at home for this very reason & it really eats on me all the time especially when I have heard so many talks & read many books about one who neglects his or her Salaah & yet I am still continuing to do this very sinful act over & over for so the 6 years that I am working here. Please Mufti saab I would really like you to help me & other muslims at work.
A: You should ask the company you are employed by for permission to perform your Salaah. It is hoped that they will agree.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)