Question: Asalamualikum, If a female suffers from an immune related illness that causes her to get more sick if she interacts with people, and if the people around her meet others and this creates a compromising situation for the patient, what do the people around the patient do. 1) Can the men avoid going to the musjid? 2) What about Jummah salah, etc. Jazakallah (question rephrased)
Answer: Walaikumsalam:
We ask Allah (SWT) to make matters easy for the patient and award her with a complete and lasting recovery, and to make this trial a means of purification and elevation for her and your family. During such challenging moments, the challenge is between balancing religious obligations that are Wajib (or part of a strong Sunnah) with compassion and flexibility — especially when matters of health and potential harm exists.
Frist things first: In Islam, congregational prayer for men holds significant importance, particularly the Jumuah prayer. This is derived and emphasized in the Quran: O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumuah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. Rasool (SAW) further stressed the gravity of missing Jumuah without valid reasons, saying: Whoever leaves three Jumuah prayers out of negligence, Allah will place a seal over his heart. This applies to men over woman. However, Islam also considers the complexities of life, offering allowances when genuine potential harm or hardship is involved.
Where are the rules for the exception derived from: The preservation of life and well-being as well as ones faith (imaan) is a fundamental principle in Islam. This principle is derived from the objectives of Shariah – Maqasid al-Shariah, which prioritize the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage and property. Allah states: .and do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction… (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195) Based on this objective, if attending congregational prayers presents a genuine risk to the patients’ health due to the potential transmission of farther illness, preventing harm takes precedence. For the Rasool (SAW) said: There should be neither harm nor reciprocal harm. Meaning, one should not harm others, nor place themselves in a situation that creates harm upon self. This should also remain a standard not only regarding religious matters, but secular mattes as well. This principle applies not only for the patient but also to those in their immediate care.
Additional pointers: Islam emphasizes practicality and ease, especially in situations of challenges. For men, Jumuah prayer remains obligatory, but certain adjustments can be made to minimize risks while fulfilling the obligation:
Limiting Interaction to the Fardh Aspects
Men may attend only the essential components of Jumuah, such as the khutbah (sermon) and salah (prayer), and leave promptly. Read extra prayers at home – Sunnah etc. This minimizes exposure and interaction while still fulfilling the obligation.
For Rasool (SAW) said that even during moments of trials, we should find ways to make things easy, so long as the greater rules are not broken. Indeed, this religion is easy, and no one burdens themselves in religion except that it overwhelms them. So, do what you can, and seek to come as close as possible..
Utilizing Open or Private Spaces within the Masjid
If the masjid has designated open spaces or private rooms, attending Jumuah there can reduce proximity to others. If this setup impacts the flow of the salah, it may be repeated individually later as a precautionary measure, though the fard aspect of Jumuah would be considered fulfilled based on effort and sacrifice and extraordinary care the person is taking. Should the person be local to our center, we have class rooms that can potentially fulfill this criteria, we also have a social hall that could have its doors left open for greater flow of air, while coupling this with coming just prior to the Khutba and in time for the salah for greater preventative measures.
When Health Risks Are Proven
If a good Muslim doctor confirms that attending Jumuah could significantly endanger the patients health, men in her immediate circle may be excused temporarily. Allah says: So fear Allah as much as you are able… (Surah At-Taghabun, 64:16) This allowance is not taken lightly and should be reassessed as the situation evolves.
Why Congregational Worship for Men Is emphasized and not woman
The emphasis on men attending congregational prayer, particularly Jumuah, is rooted in its social, spiritual, and communal benefits:
- Congregational worship fosters unity, reminding men of their shared purpose and responsibilities.
- The gathering for Jumuah serves as a public declaration of faith and submission to Allah, reinforcing the identity of the Muslim community.
- Regular attendance at the masjid encourages personal and communal accountability, helping men uphold their role as leaders and protectors in their families and communities.
However, these benefits do not override the principle of harm prevention, especially in situations where attending could endanger others.
Woman situation
Women, especially those caring for the sick, to prioritize their responsibilities without compromising their spiritual obligations. Rasool (SAW): Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the masjid, but their homes are better for them. Although the woman may not be able to attend, their reward would be at times greater, due to patient care and sacrifice.
We pray that Allah grants you’re the patient complete healing, rewards your family for your patience and efforts, and keeps you steadfast in fulfilling your obligations to Him and to one another. Ameen.
Allah Certainly Knows Best.