Fatwa No : 88363
Ruling on Leaving Work Early in Order to Perform Prayer in Congregation

Ruling on Leaving Work Early in Order to Perform Prayer in Congregation

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh! What is the ruling on leaving work before time in order to join the congregational (jama‘ah) prayer?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

It should be clarified that an employee is bound to observe the rights of the employer (owner/institution) during the fixed working hours. However, the Shariah has exempted from working hours the amount of time required to perform the obligatory prayers and the emphasized Sunnah prayers, just as time is exempted for essential natural needs (such as relieving oneself). Therefore, since performing the congregational prayer in the mosque is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, it is not permissible to abandon the congregational prayer without a valid Shariah excuse.
However, for the purpose of getting the congregational prayer in the mosque, one should leave work only to the extent necessary to perform purification, wudu, and the Sunnah Mu’akkadah before the fard prayer with ease. Leaving earlier than this—while working hours are still in effect and without the employer’s permission—is not Shariah-compliant. Hence, due care should be taken to observe the congregational prayer, but only the required amount of time should be utilized for this purpose. Taking more time than necessary is not permissible and must be avoided.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

کما في رد المحتار (قوله وليس للخاص أن يعمل لغيره) بل و لا أن يصلي النافلة. قال في التتارخانية: و في فتاوى الفضلي و إذا استأجر رجلا يوما يعمل كذا فعليه أن يعمل ذلك العمل إلى تمام المدة و لا يشتغل بشيء آخر سوى المكتوبة و في فتاوى سمرقند: و قد قال بعض مشايخنا له أن يؤدي السنة أيضا. و اتفقوا أنه لا يؤدي نفلا و عليه الفتوى.۔(مطلب ليس للأجير الخاص أن يصلي النافلة، ج:6، ص 70 ط: سعید)-