Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I came to Islaam just over a year ago and alhumdulillah everything is wonderful. I am originally from a small town in the northeastern United States, although I know longer live there. When visiting my family, however (who are not yet Muslim–may Allah guide them) I am not able to go to Jumu’ah prayers on Friday because the nearest masjid is at least two hours away by car; and I am without transportation and much to my dismay I have no way of getting there. In place of this, I have been praying the standard 4 raka dhuhur as well as taking time out of my afternoon to listen to Qur’an and lectures to attempt to ‘substitute’ for Jumu’ah. Is this permissible?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.
It is obligatory for adult Muslim men to attend Friday prayers when they are resident in a town and able to without undue hardship. If the Friday congregation is very far away, this would lift the obligation of attending, and one can pray Zuhr instead. (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah)
If you choose to take out some time–without deeming it obligatory–for some religious instruction, this would be a noble action.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani