What is the ruling on working on Friday before Jumu'ah prayer? Is it permissible to compel Muslims to do so? And what is its ruling in countries where Friday is considered a workday?
Working on Friday before the prayer is permissible. What is forbidden is working after the call to Jumu'ah prayer when the preacher ascends the pulpit, based on the Almighty's saying: "O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumuʿah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew." Those with valid excuses, such as travelers or those for whom Jumu'ah is not obligatory, are exempted. As for work that prevents a Muslim from performing Jumu'ah prayer, it is forbidden, except in cases of extreme necessity where the Muslim cannot otherwise secure their daily sustenance. It is not permissible to compel a Muslim to work after the call to Jumu'ah prayer, except out of necessity. If Jumu'ah is established in a country and people are not prevented from praying it, there is no impediment to living there. However, if they are unable to perform their rituals, then emigration becomes obligatory.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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