Can we perform the noon prayer in congregation at home on Friday since Friday prayer is not performed nowadays?

- Can we perform the noon prayer in congregation at home on Friday since Friday prayer is not performed in mosques nowadays?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Islamic scholars agree unanimously that it is fard to perform Friday prayer.

Friday prayer consists of two rak’ahs and it cannot be performed individually; it is performed in congregation. A person who cannot perform the Friday prayer performs the noon prayer of that day.

According to Shafii madhhab, it is permissible for those who cannot perform the Friday prayer to perform the noon prayer of that day in congregation.  

However, according to Hanafi madhhab, those who cannot go to mosque for Friday prayer due to an excuse cannot perform the noon prayer of that day in congregation. They have to perform it individually; otherwise, it means to divide the congregation of Friday prayer. (Marghinani, al-Hidaya 1/84)

Accordingly, if Friday prayer is performed in the town where you live, it will be a sin to perform the noon prayer of that day in congregation separately. It is necessary to perform it individually.

However, if Friday prayer cannot be performed in a town due to any reason, it is permissible to perform the noon prayer of that day in congregation because it does not mean to divide the congregation of Friday prayer or to form an alternative.   

Since Friday prayer is not performed due to an epidemic nowadays, it is permissible to perform the noon prayer of that day in congregation at home with the family members. You will get the reward of praying in congregation inshallah.

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