The Question:
My husband works for a company in London. Recently he asked his boss if he would excuse him on Fridays to observe the Friday Prayer. His boss refused and my husband is unable to observe it. What is the ruling on one in this situation? Is there any action that can be done to make up for missing this prayer?
The Answer:
The Friday prayer is an obligation according to the Qu’ran and the Traditions of the Prophet [May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him].
The Qur’an states: “Oh you who profess faith! When you are called to the prayer on they day of congregation [Friday], rush to the remembrance of Allah and leave off [all forms of] commerce: this is better for you, if you but knew.” The Qur’an 62:9
The Prophet Muhammad [May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him] cautioned leaving the Friday Prayers [without a valid excuse] stating that one who abandoned three Friday prayers, “Allah will seal his/her heart.” Thus, [this makes it clear] that observing the Friday prayer is an obligatory action.
However, if we look at this issue regarding this woman’s husband, we must do so from the perspective that he is unable to find another means of employment unless he works with this person. Therefore, it is likely that he is excused [for missing the Friday prayer]; conditioned that he is not able to find another job. So, [under these conditions], he is excused for missing the Friday prayers and should pray four rakat’s until he finds another place to work.
This is what is apparent to us regarding this situation based on the order of benefits and harms, that the Friday prayer has a replacement [the noon prayer] and that the scholars allowed one to miss the Friday prayers due to hail, heavy rain, illness, weakness and so on. Please refer to Imam Khalil al-Maliki’s explanation in his book where he wrote: “Excuses for missing it [the Friday prayer]: extreme mud, rain, leprocy, the sick and the one engaged in nursing the weak/ill” and this issue falls under the above.
Allah Knows best
Dr. ‘Abdullah Bin Bayyah