Unable to Attend Jumu'ah Prayer Sometimes

20-1-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

What happens if I can't attend the Jumu'ah prayer? Can I pray Jumu'ah at home? I am only able to go to the mosque sometimes.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is obligatory to perform the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer in the mosque. One who fails to perform the Friday prayer in a specific mosque, must do his best to do so at another mosque.

Allah Says (what means): {O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.} [Quran 62:9]

But, if one cannot perform the Jumu'ah prayer in congregation in the mosque, he has to perform Thuhr prayer alone, in the mosque, or at home.

As for not attending the Jumu'ah prayer, then if this is because of some Islamic valid reasons, such as illness, or fear of losing one's property, or fearing harm, then there is no harm.

Allah Says (what means): {Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.} [Quran 2:286]

Allah Says also (what means): {So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey.…} [Quran 64:16]

However, it is forbidden to abandon the Jumu'ah prayer due to carelessness or laziness. One who commits such a sin faces a big threat.

The Prophet said: “Those who are not attending the Jumu'ah prayer should change their ways; otherwise, Allah, The Exalted, will seal their hearts, and they will be reckoned the heedless.” [Muslim]

Allah knows best.