Missing Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer due to work – what’s the ruling?
Question:
What’s the ruling on work and salat jummah. I asked my work if I am allowed to go there’s no way I will be able to go for salah.
Answer:
Jumu’ah prayer is an obligation on every adult Muslim man, and all four major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) agree on this. It’s not optional if you meet the conditions—like being a resident, male, and not seriously ill.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! When the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if only you knew.”
(Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9)
This verse makes it very clear: when the adhan (call to prayer) for Jumu’ah is given, Muslims must stop work and go to the masjid. It’s a direct command from Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned strongly about missing Jumu’ah. He said:
“Whoever misses three Jumu’ahs out of negligence, Allah will place a seal over his heart.”
(Narrated by Muslim)
That means their heart could be spiritually cut off because of carelessness with this important act of worship.
So if your job is stopping you from going to Jumu’ah, you need to do everything you possibly can to make it work:
Try switching shifts.
Ask for an extended lunch break.
Use vacation time.
Speak to HR or your manager about your religious needs.
If after all this, they still don’t allow it, then you need to start looking for another job. A Muslim must not stay in a job that regularly causes him to miss Jumu’ah if there are other options.
But, if you’re truly stuck—you’ve searched, applied, tried every option and can’t find anything else, and your livelihood or family survival depends on this job—then in that specific case, you may be excused temporarily. But even then, you must keep searching for better work that allows you to fulfill your religious duties.
In summary:
Jumu’ah prayer is not optional for men.
Work is not a valid excuse according to any school of thought.
You must try every way to attend: switch shifts, take time off, etc.
If nothing works, look for a new job.