How Should I Manage My Prayers in a Country where Public Prayers Are Illegal?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

This matter is taking a toll on me. I live with my family in France (as residents and not citizens), and I cannot move elsewhere for now. For context, you can’t pray in public buildings (illegal) and virtually anywhere in practice except your home. I’ve heard of residents getting their permits revoked for praying in a corner and citizens losing their jobs.

I try to pray on time, but my class schedule makes it difficult sometimes. I go home with four prayers to make up. Would Allah even accept that? I genuinely can’t pray outside for fear of getting discovered.

I’ve visited Canada for a few months and never missed any prayer, even outside, because I had the constitutional RIGHT to practice my religion openly. We don’t have that here.

Answer

In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Especially Merciful. All praise is solely for Allah (Most High). May the choicest salutations and blessings be upon the final Messenger, Muhammad (Allah bless and give him peace). May Allah facilitate ease for believers worldwide to practise their faith freely.

While there are some prayer dispensations for cases of difficulty, Islam generally requires believers to pray the five obligatory prayers within their prescribed times. Allah says, “When the prayers are over, remember Allah—whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are secure, establish regular prayers. Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times.” [Quran, 4:103]

You should strive and exert every effort to pray on time and safely. When it is impossible to pray on time, there is a dispensation that you may employ, and Allah knows best.

Seeking Allah’s Mercy in Difficult Circumstances:

In times of adversity, turning to Allah with sincere supplication and trust in His mercy is crucial. The Quran assures believers that Allah is compassionate and understanding of their struggles.

Allah says, “Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. ˹The believers pray,˺ “Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord! Do not place a burden on us like the one you placed on those before us. Our Lord! Do not burden us with what we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our ˹only˺ Guardian. So grant us victory over the disbelieving people.” [Quran, 2:286].

This verse emphasises that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity and encourages believers to seek His help in times of distress.

Making Up Missed Prayers

Islam recognises the challenges individuals may face in fulfilling religious obligations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated flexibility in certain situations. The hadith narrates instances where prayers were combined or made up due to travel or other unavoidable circumstances. It is essential to strive for consistency in prayer, but Allah, in His mercy, acknowledges genuine challenges.

The Validity of Delayed Prayers

Allah (Most High) understands the constraints imposed by circumstances. The Quran acknowledges this understanding, “But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or have been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth by wiping your faces and hands. It is not Allah’s Will to burden you, but to purify you and complete His favour upon you, so perhaps you will be grateful. [Quran, 5:6].

While it is essential to strive for timely prayers, Allah’s compassion extends to those genuinely struggling, and the intention to make up missed prayers is a virtuous effort.

Concealing Acts of Worship

Islam recognises situations where practising one’s faith openly may pose risks. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced persecution in Mecca, leading to a period of secrecy in worship. The Quran acknowledges the challenges faced by the Prophet and his followers.

Allah says, “Strive for ˹the cause of˺ Allah in the way He deserves, for ˹it is˺ He ˹Who˺ has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion—the way of your forefather Abraham. ˹It is Allah˺ Who named you ‘the ones who submit’1 ˹in the˺ earlier ˹Scriptures˺ and in this ˹Quran˺, so that the Messenger may be a witness over you, and that you may be witnesses over humanity. So establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and hold fast to Allah. He ˹alone˺ is your Guardian. What an excellent Guardian, and what an excellent Helper! [Quran, 22:78]

Seeking Long-Term Solutions

While facing these challenges, exploring avenues for long-term solutions is essential. This may involve engaging with local communities, advocating for religious rights, or seeking legal advice to ensure the practice of Islam without fear of repercussions. The Quran encourages believers to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of life.

Allah says, “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.” [Quran, 4:135]

In conclusion, while navigating the complexities of practising Islam in a non-Muslim country with restrictions, maintaining a sincere connection with Allah, making efforts to fulfil prayers, and seeking long-term solutions within the bounds of the law are vital aspects. Allah’s mercy encompasses the genuine struggles of His servants, and sincere intentions are indeed acknowledged and appreciated.

May Allah bless and guide us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.