Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question Summary
What is the ruling regarding praying in congregation at the workplace when the call to prayer (adhan) can be heard from a local Mosque?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Short Answer
It is permissible to pray the congregational prayer at work even though you can hear the adhan of the local Mosque.
However, if the opportunity arises where going to the Mosque is feasible and does not put you in undue hardship, nor does it cause you to fall short in your work responsibilities, praying in the Mosque is better and more rewarding.
The Congregational Prayer
The Ruling:
Performing the obligatory prayer in the congregation is an emphasized Sunna of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace).
The Conditions:
The reward of congregational prayer is achieved when the prayer is performed by a minimum of two people (a follower and the Imam). The follower can be a man or woman, adult or child, and the prayer can be performed in the Mosque or other places.
Thus, performing the congregational prayer at home (or in a workplace) is similar to praying in the Mosque (i.e., in achieving the reward of the Sunna of the congregation). However, the reward differs. The reward is greater relative to the size of the congregation as well as it occurring in the Mosque.
The Reward:
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Congregational prayer exceeds the individual’s prayer in virtue by 27 degrees.” [Bukhari]
Summary
Performing your obligatory prayers at work is permissible, especially if you have the opportunity to do so in the congregation. However, if you have the opportunity to pray in the Mosque, this is obviously best. Most importantly, aim to perform your prayers on time and with as much presence as possible, whether at work, home, or in the Mosque.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
645 – حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ: أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ: أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «§صَلاَةُ الجَمَاعَةِ تَفْضُلُ صَلاَةَ الفَذِّ بِسَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً»
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ص131 – صحيح البخاري – باب فضل صلاة الجماعة وكان الأسود إذا فاتته الجماعة ذهب إلى مسجد آخر وجاء أنس بن مالك إلى مسجد قد صلي فيه فأذن وأقام وصلى جماعة
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani