How Should I Pray if the Masjid Is Far Away?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question

I read that it is sinful to habitually miss prayers in congregation. But what if I live far from a masjid: will it, in this case, be permissible to make a habit of praying fard prayers myself in my home? Or will I have to seek out some other congregation, e.g., by gathering neighbors, to avoid sin?

Answer

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

Being far from the mosque would be considered a sufficient excuse to lift the blameworthiness of missing the congregation.

However, the basis for men’s prayer is that it is performed in congregation. Hence you should take the means to establish a congregation, if reasonably possible, within your locality. This would also assist others in fulfilling their duty in the most complete manner.

Though at the very least, you should pray at home with your family, striving to uphold this Prophetic practice the best you can.

[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

See also: Am I a Hypocrite for Not Praying Fajr and Isha in the Masjid?

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam

[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorized the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan, and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.