To Members of the Board of Trustees of Masjids!
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmathullaahi Wa Barakaathuhu!
Prayer is one of the most important fundamental obligations of Islam. It is not permitted to abandon it at any stage. Thus, Islam guides us that one who is unable to stand and pray should sit and pray, and who is unable to sit and pray should pray whilst reclining.
Performing the Fardh prayers in congregation (Jama’at) is Fardh Kifaya upon the males of every town. Islam has emphasized such that a person who is able to should attend the Masjid and perform salah in congregation. There are many virtues mentioned in regards to it. It will not be preferable for one having the ability to perform the Fardh prayers at the Masjid to stay at home and perform it.
Hence, attending the Masjid and performing the prayer is an emphasized Sunnah for the one who is able to do so. Similarly, although one is permitted to pray at home due to sickness, fear, absence of a person who could accompany him, it would still be preferred that he performs the prayer in congregation at the Masjid.
It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that a blind companion once came to the Prophet (sal) and said “O Messenger of Allah! There isn’t any guide for me to take me to the Masjid” and sought permission to pray at home. The Prophet granted permission and then called for him and asked ‘Do you hear the Azan?’ He responded ‘Yes’. It was said to him ‘If that is so, you have to attend and join the congregation for prayer.’
It has also been recorded in Sahih Hadiths that those unable to attend the Masjid with a valid reason were permitted to pray at home by the Prophet (sal)
Accordingly, we urge the Trustees of the Masjids to consider all such people who would like to attend the Masjid, and to facilitate them with ease of access at entry points and have special prayer facilities for them where necessary, especially those who are obliged to attend on their wheel chairs.
Furthermore, those using wheel chairs in the Masjid should ensure that the wheelchairs are kept clean, maintaining the purity and cleanliness of the masjid and the sanctity of prayer.
Additionally, it would be a good gesture from others who attend the Masjid to assist such people for prayers.
You may refer to the following link in regards to the religious rulings of observing prayers whilst seated on a chair:
https://www.acju.lk/en/news/acju-news/3448-acju-fatwa-en
Mufti M.I.M Rizwe
President
All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama
Ash sheikh M.L.M. Ilyas
Secretary – Fatwa Division
All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama
