Question:
Essalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmetullahu Wa Berekatuhu my beloved Shaykh and the staff. I believe I’m asking this question on behalf of many. I’m a truck driver, and most of the week I’m away from home, which makes me to miss Jumah Prayer very often. Even though I try to plan to be home, most of the time it’s hard because of the unpredictability of my job.
My question is: If I park my truck somewhere and do all necessary preparations for Jumah prayer, then watch khutba on Sufilive, and pray after my beloved Shaykh, would this count as my Jumah prayer.
Thank you, and may Allah (swt) include you and those whom you love among His most chosen servants
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
Jumu’ah prayer is “Fardi-Ayn” strict obligation to physically attend on each and every male Muslim who is free. There are six conditions for a Jumu’ah prayer; if one is missing, the prayer will not be valid:
1. Friday prayer is to be offered in the areas of the city, not in small villages.
2. The ruler of a Muslim country or the head Muslim jurist in a non-Muslim state establishes Jumu’ah prayer.
3. Friday prayer is to be offered and completed within the time of Zuhr prayer.
4. The Khutbah must be delivered before the gathering. This is essential for Jumu’ah.
5. There must be at least three Muslim men besides Imam in attendance.
6. The gate of the mosque is to be opened for all believers without any exception.
If you “watch khutba on Sufilive and pray after your beloved Shaykh,” this would NOT count as your Jumu’ah prayer, but you will be definitely rewarded for your act of devotion and the effort made. What you need to do is to offer Zuhr prayer before the broadcast of Jumu’ah prayer. Allah knows best.
Imam Senad Agic
American Islamic Center – Chicago
Majlis #1 Head Imam (IABNA)
www.aicchicago.com
www.imamsenadagic.com
www.iabna.org
