❖ Performing Congregational Prayer Outside the Mosque: 5 Shari'ah-Based Principles in Light of Fatawa ❖
Derived from: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
Question:
Is it permissible to perform prayer in congregation at a location other than the mosque?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Allah ﷻ has declared the entire earth pure and permissible for Muslims to offer prayers upon, with the exception of specific places that the Shari'ah has prohibited. A clear directive in this regard is found in the noble Hadith:
«عن أبی سعيد الخدری قال رسول الله صلی الله عليه وآله وسلم الأرض کلها مسجد إلا المقبرة والحمام»
“The entire earth has been made a place of prostration except for graveyards and bathhouses.”
(Musnad Ahmad: 3/83)
If the question pertains to whether one may perform prayer on any part of the earth other than a mosque, then based on the aforementioned Hadith, the answer is:
✔ Yes, it is permissible to perform Salah anywhere on the earth except in graveyards and bathhouses, as these locations are explicitly excluded.
It is commonly observed today that many people prefer not to go to the mosque. Instead, they establish small congregations—of two or three individuals—in their shops, offices, or homes. In this regard:
✔ It is essentially permissible for a few individuals to offer congregational prayer at any clean and appropriate place.
However, if this practice becomes habitual and people start consistently avoiding the mosque, several negative outcomes may arise:
① Mosques may become deserted.
② The collective Islamic environment, which is nurtured by congregating in the mosque, may weaken.
Hence, the prudent and preferable approach is:
✔ If possible, one should go to the nearest mosque and offer Salah in congregation.
✔ However, if the mosque is far, and there are sufficient individuals in the neighborhood or market area to establish a congregation, then:
✔ It is permissible to temporarily use another place as a mosque substitute, such as a designated prayer area in the market or locality.
The spirit of unity and collectiveness in Islam is deeply rooted in attending congregational prayers at the mosque. This act:
✔ Reinforces brotherhood among Muslims.
✔ Maintains the central role of the mosque in community life.
✔ Protects the sanctity and significance of congregational worship.
① The entire earth is a place for prayer, except graveyards and bathhouses.
② Small congregations outside the mosque are permissible.
③ Avoid turning it into a routine that replaces mosque attendance.
④ Mosque attendance is superior and more rewarding when accessible.
⑤ Where necessary, temporary prayer spaces may be established in offices, shops, or neighborhoods.
Derived from: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
❀ Ruling on Holding Congregational Prayer at a Place Other Than the Mosque ❀
Question:Is it permissible to perform prayer in congregation at a location other than the mosque?
Answer:Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Allah ﷻ has declared the entire earth pure and permissible for Muslims to offer prayers upon, with the exception of specific places that the Shari'ah has prohibited. A clear directive in this regard is found in the noble Hadith:
«عن أبی سعيد الخدری قال رسول الله صلی الله عليه وآله وسلم الأرض کلها مسجد إلا المقبرة والحمام»
“The entire earth has been made a place of prostration except for graveyards and bathhouses.”
(Musnad Ahmad: 3/83)
1. Permissibility of Praying on Any Part of the Earth
If the question pertains to whether one may perform prayer on any part of the earth other than a mosque, then based on the aforementioned Hadith, the answer is:
✔ Yes, it is permissible to perform Salah anywhere on the earth except in graveyards and bathhouses, as these locations are explicitly excluded.
2. Practice of Holding Congregational Prayer in Shops and Offices
It is commonly observed today that many people prefer not to go to the mosque. Instead, they establish small congregations—of two or three individuals—in their shops, offices, or homes. In this regard:
✔ It is essentially permissible for a few individuals to offer congregational prayer at any clean and appropriate place.
However, if this practice becomes habitual and people start consistently avoiding the mosque, several negative outcomes may arise:
① Mosques may become deserted.
② The collective Islamic environment, which is nurtured by congregating in the mosque, may weaken.
3. Caution and Preferred Conduct
Hence, the prudent and preferable approach is:
✔ If possible, one should go to the nearest mosque and offer Salah in congregation.
✔ However, if the mosque is far, and there are sufficient individuals in the neighborhood or market area to establish a congregation, then:
✔ It is permissible to temporarily use another place as a mosque substitute, such as a designated prayer area in the market or locality.
4. Islamic Collective Spirit
The spirit of unity and collectiveness in Islam is deeply rooted in attending congregational prayers at the mosque. This act:
✔ Reinforces brotherhood among Muslims.
✔ Maintains the central role of the mosque in community life.
✔ Protects the sanctity and significance of congregational worship.
5. Summary of Shari’ah-Based Principles
① The entire earth is a place for prayer, except graveyards and bathhouses.
② Small congregations outside the mosque are permissible.
③ Avoid turning it into a routine that replaces mosque attendance.
④ Mosque attendance is superior and more rewarding when accessible.
⑤ Where necessary, temporary prayer spaces may be established in offices, shops, or neighborhoods.
