Is it permissible for the ruler to compel shop owners to close their shops during prayer times and to punish those who do not comply?

Able-bodied men must perform congregational prayers, and the ruler may command it and punish those who fail to do so, and compel shop owners to close their shops during prayer times, based on the following evidence:

1. Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: This is an obligation upon the ruler, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand," and Allah Almighty says: "Those who, if We establish them in the land, will establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin good and forbid evil." Thus, the ruler has the authority to impose punishments for abandoning obligations and committing prohibitions.

2. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) intention to burn the houses of those who lagged behind: Authentic hadiths indicate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) intended to burn the houses of those who failed to attend congregational prayers. This indicates the legitimacy of punishing those who fail to attend, even if it is said to be a Sunnah.

3. The ruler is a guardian and responsible: As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "All of you are guardians and all of you are responsible for your subjects." Among the most important responsibilities of the ruler is to uphold the religion and preserve the ritual of congregational prayer.

4. The actions of the Salaf and obedience to the ruler: The Salaf used to close their shops for prayer in obedience to Allah Almighty's saying: "Men whom neither commerce nor selling distracts from the remembrance of Allah." Closing shops during prayer times serves a public interest, and the subjects must obey the ruler in this regard, as Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you."