What is the ruling on working in a job that does not allow him to attend the congregational prayer?
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The questioner : As for one who is in his job and the call for the midday prayer is made, for example in schools and such, and they finish their work and do not go to the prayer, what is the ruling on this job for this person, or this work or teaching? Is it better for the person to try to find a job, for example, one that is free from doubt, or is it the best of works?
The Shaykh : In this case, it is obligatory for him to give up the job that diverts him from the obedience of his Lord, Mighty and Majestic. Among the obligations required of every Muslim is to attend the congregation of the Muslims in the mosques and to pray with them, and not to pray in his house, his shop, his office, or his workplace. Rather, he must hasten to respond to the call of Allah when it says, "Hasten to the prayer, hasten to success." It is obligatory for him to make this his constant habit, always and forever... So he must always pray in the mosques of the Muslims, except for a compelling excuse, in which case each case has its own ruling. However, the rule is that he prays in the mosque. If there is a job or position that stands between him and the obedience of Allah and praying in one of the houses of Allah when he is called to it, this means a job or position that prevents him from the remembrance of Allah and establishing the prayer. And whatever is of that nature is not permissible. I have answered you.
The Shaykh : In this case, it is obligatory for him to give up the job that diverts him from the obedience of his Lord, Mighty and Majestic. Among the obligations required of every Muslim is to attend the congregation of the Muslims in the mosques and to pray with them, and not to pray in his house, his shop, his office, or his workplace. Rather, he must hasten to respond to the call of Allah when it says, "Hasten to the prayer, hasten to success." It is obligatory for him to make this his constant habit, always and forever... So he must always pray in the mosques of the Muslims, except for a compelling excuse, in which case each case has its own ruling. However, the rule is that he prays in the mosque. If there is a job or position that stands between him and the obedience of Allah and praying in one of the houses of Allah when he is called to it, this means a job or position that prevents him from the remembrance of Allah and establishing the prayer. And whatever is of that nature is not permissible. I have answered you.