Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 555❖ Question:
If the congregation has already begun and at that moment a person falls into a well, or a house catches fire, or any similar accident occurs — is it permissible for the worshippers to break their prayer to help, or should they continue praying?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
In such emergency situations, it is permissible to break the prayer in order to assist the person in danger or to prevent further harm.
❖ Supporting Evidence:
❀ It is narrated that Ḥaḍrat Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه once discontinued his prayer due to the fear that his mount (riding animal) might run away.
(See: Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Fasl Rābiʿ; Fatāwā Ahl al-Ḥadīth, vol. 2, p. 196)
If breaking the prayer was allowed for fear of losing one’s animal, then doing so to save a human life or prevent a disaster is even more justified and necessary.
Ruling:
If a sudden accident occurs — such as someone falling into a well, a fire breaking out, or any other serious harm threatening life or property —
then the worshipper may break the prayer immediately to offer help.
Such an action is permissible and does not incur sin, because preserving life takes precedence over continuing the prayer.
ھٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best what is right.
