Prayer in Churches
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Fatwa No. ( 9118 )
Q: Muslims in many states of America do not find suitable places to perform the Friday prayer, except for some churches rented cheaply or for free. Some students raised a discussion about the validity of performing the prayer in churches, relying on what was narrated from Ibn 'Umar regarding the prohibition of praying in churches and the temples of the Jews , graveyards, and places of slaughter for other than Allah. Based on this
opinion, some Muslims refrained from attending the Friday prayer. We kindly ask you to inform us of the correct ruling in this case so that we can overcome the disagreements among Muslims in this community, and may Allah reward you with good.
A: If it is possible to find a place other than churches to pray in, it is not permissible to pray in churches or the like; because they are places of worship for disbelievers in which they worship other than Allah, and because of the statues and images in them. Otherwise, it is permissible out of dire necessity. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We do not enter your churches because of the statues and images in them." And Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to pray in the churches, except for a church that contained statues and images. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Muslims in many states of America do not find suitable places to perform the Friday prayer, except for some churches rented cheaply or for free. Some students raised a discussion about the validity of performing the prayer in churches, relying on what was narrated from Ibn 'Umar regarding the prohibition of praying in churches and the temples of the Jews , graveyards, and places of slaughter for other than Allah. Based on this
opinion, some Muslims refrained from attending the Friday prayer. We kindly ask you to inform us of the correct ruling in this case so that we can overcome the disagreements among Muslims in this community, and may Allah reward you with good.
A: If it is possible to find a place other than churches to pray in, it is not permissible to pray in churches or the like; because they are places of worship for disbelievers in which they worship other than Allah, and because of the statues and images in them. Otherwise, it is permissible out of dire necessity. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We do not enter your churches because of the statues and images in them." And Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to pray in the churches, except for a church that contained statues and images. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.