Is it permissible for some employees to leave work to pray in the nearby mosque, given that there is a prayer hall where more than fifty employees pray?

The questioner : Your Eminence, a questioner says: Some employees leave work to pray in the mosque closest to them, even though there is a prayer hall where more than fifty employees pray. Is it permissible for these people to go to the nearby mosque, or should they pray with their colleagues?

The Shaykh : If the person in charge of this establishment forbids them from leaving and says, "Pray with us," then they should pray with him in congregation and not leave for the mosque. This is because praying in the mosque, when it results in the loss of a benefit or the occurrence of harm, while another congregation exists at the workplace, is not permissible. Furthermore, some people leave the workplace for the mosque under the pretext that they want to pray in congregation, but they manipulate the situation by going to their homes and not praying in congregation. However, if the workplace is small and there is a mosque nearby, and their leaving does not disrupt the work, then it is obligatory for them to go to the mosque and pray there together. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit the Muslims through you.
O my dear brothers, O my dear listening brothers, Your Eminence, Shaykh Muhammad ibn, has answered your questions.