What is the ruling on delaying the 'Isha prayer in congregation for the purpose of completing a sports program, when there is a nearby mosque from which the adhan can be heard? And is it obligatory to stop playing and go to the mosque, or is it permissible to delay, clarifying the ruling based on the opinion of those who deem prayer in the mosque obligatory and those who do not, and which is preferred?
Previously, the scholarly disagreement regarding performing congregational prayer outside the mosque was explained, and that the obligation is to perform it in the mosque unless there is hardship or difficulty. If there is hardship in going to the mosque or difficulty in the dispersal of those gathered, or a benefit in the continuation of a meeting, then they are permitted to pray in congregation in their place. It seems from the question that there is a concession to delay the prayer and perform it in congregation at the stadium to avoid losing a portion of money, changing clothes, and cleaning sweat and odors that are offensive to the worshipers. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen issued a fatwa that if there is an odor that harms the people of the mosque, they should pray in their place so that people are not harmed by them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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