Support IslamQA

Please contribute generously in order to ensure the continuity of our website InshaAllah.

Ruling on prisoners praying Jumu’ah when they are in their cells

18-08-2001

Question 22114

What is the ruling on prisoners praying Jumu’ah and praying in congregation behind one imaam who stands in front of them, when they are in their cells, via loudspeakers.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Committee of Senior Scholars issued a fatwa stating that they did not agree with prisoners praying Jumu’ah or in congregation behind one imaam in Jumu’ah or congregational prayers, and following him via loudspeakers whilst they are in their prison cells, because they are not obliged to pray Jumu’ah since they cannot go to the prayer, and for other reasons. 

But anyone who is able to attend Jumu’ah prayers in the prison mosque – if there is a mosque there – should pray it in congregation. Otherwise a person is not obliged to pray Jumu’ah and he should pray Zuhr instead. The group in each cell should pray the five daily prayers in congregation inside their cell if it is not possible for them to gather in the mosque or in one place. 

Friday Prayers
Show on Islam Q&A website.