Fatwa ID: 02958

Answered by:  Moulana Belaal Ahmed​

Question:

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

I live in Canada and the mosque is a little far from my residence. What is the criteria of distance to determine whether it remains wajib to pray in the mosque with the congregation?

There were various criteria's I have come across on the internet, please clarify on the issue with regards to the relied upon position? Jazak Allah Khair

Answer:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Firstly it is very important to understand Shariah has laid great emphasis on praying salaat with congregation especially for men,  it is one of the major symbols of Islam, the most emphasized of the sunnahs of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), and a means for individuals and communities to strengthen their relations with their Lord.

In regards to the criteria of distance to determine whether it remains wajib to pray in the mosque with congregation  ulema have the following opinions :

The distance ulema has mentioned is that if one cannot hear the azaan then one will be counted as far away. ( Raddul muktaar kitaabus salaat pg 656) 

Imam muhammad r.a is also of the same opinion that if azaan can be heard then it is wajib to pray with the congregation and if not then it will not be wajib. The  fatwa has been  given on the following

Mazaahir ul haqq pg 871 vol 1 (darul ishat)

However taking all the above into consideration,” major scholars have explained the distance as being an Arab mile (1.85 km) away from the mosque is considered being far, and considered an excuse. Others have chosen to explain it as being “such that there is genuine hardship in getting to the mosque.” When one is “far from the mosque,” one is no longer blameworthy for not praying at the mosque. One should, however, take the means and establish prayer in a congregation when able.

Only Allah knows best

Answered By Moulana Belaal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham