Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
Question
We were engaged in work at sea, and the time for Jumu‘ah came. We came out of the water about half an hour after the adhan of Zuhr. In such a case, is it correct for us to give the adhan and perform Jumu‘ah prayer?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
- Jumu‘ah prayer is only valid when performed in a masjid within a city or village.
- Those who are at sea or engaged in work in a place without a masjid are not permitted to establish Jumu‘ah on their own.
Reason
- The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ shows that Jumu‘ah was performed only in settled areas (cities or villages).
- Even though the Prophet ﷺ often traveled for many days, he never established Jumu‘ah during travel.
Ruling in This Case
- Since you are at sea, in constant movement, and not settled in one place, Jumu‘ah is not obligatory for you.
- In this situation, Zuhr prayer is obligatory instead.
- And because you are travelling, you may shorten it (qasar) from 4 rak‘ahs to 2 rak‘ahs.
