Ruling on Holding Congregational Prayer Alone in an Office❖ Question:
If a person works alone in an office, is it permissible for him to establish congregational (jamāʿah) prayer? And if he does lead the prayer, is he required to say the takbīrāt (calls during prayer) in a loud voice?
❖ Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (حفظه الله):
✔ Ruling on Adhān and Iqāmah:
From a Shar‘i perspective, both the adhān (call to prayer) and iqāmah (call to stand for prayer) are Sunnah and recommended. They are virtuous acts, but not obligatory.
If he arranges for congregational prayer within the office, it is a commendable and rewardable act.
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned a shepherd who would be alone in a valley, yet he would give the adhān, perform the iqāmah, and then pray. The Prophet ﷺ regarded this deed as meritorious.
❖ Raising the Voice in Adhān and Iqāmah:
If the individual calls the adhān and iqāmah aloud, his reward increases.
However, if he chooses not to do so and simply performs the prayer, there is no harm in that.
❖ Important Note:
If giving the adhān and iqāmah in a loud voice may lead to disputes or conflicts with others in the surroundings, then it is better to avoid raising the voice.
❖ Summary:
◈ Both options are permissible—there is no strict ruling.
◈ However, establishing jamāʿah (congregational prayer), even for one person, is preferable and rewarding.
وَالله أعلم بالصواب
