Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
Question:
For an employee, is it better to go to the masjid immediately upon hearing the adhān, or should he wait to finish some tasks first? Also, what is the ruling for him performing non-emphasized nafl prayers after the obligatory prayer during working hours?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
It is obligatory for all Muslims to go to the masjid immediately after hearing the adhān, because the muʾadhdhin says:
“Ḥayya ʿala al-ṣalāh” – “Come to the prayer.”
Delaying without a valid excuse risks negligence in performing the prayer on time.
Regarding Employees and Praying Nawāfil During Work Hours:
- After the obligatory prayer, it is not permissible for an employee to perform non-emphasized nafl prayers during working hours, because the time of an employee under a contract of employment belongs to the employer.
- However, performing sunan muʾakkadah is permissible, since by common custom and understanding, employers overlook this.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
