What should a Muslim do if exposed to loud noise or obscene language during prayer, and is it permissible for him to use noise-canceling headphones or to interrupt the prayer and delay it?
The basic principle is that a worshiper should not put anything in their ear that prevents them from hearing sounds, unless the sounds are disturbing and affect their khushu' (devotion/humility). In such a case, it is permissible to put something to block the sound.
It is also permissible for the worshiper to make a slight movement to retrieve something to block the sound, but it is not permissible to interrupt a fard (obligatory) prayer except out of necessity.
If it is possible to delay the prayer for a short while without missing its preferred time, then it is permissible. However, delaying it beyond its prescribed time is one of the major sins.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 10435
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy