Q: Some governmental administrations have Masjids (mosques) in which congregational Salahs (Prayers) especially Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer are performed. Nevertheless, sometimes carpets are spread in some departments of such administrations and a number of people offer Salah (Prayer) there. It is worth mentioning that the neighboring Masjids have enough capacity for all worshippers. Is it thus permissible to abandon performing Salah in the main Masjids and offer it instead in temporary places of Salah where people pray in small groups? What is the ruling if the main Masjid (mosque) does not have enough room for all worshippers? Please, advise! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!) A: It is not permissible to perform the obligatory Salah in such administrations' departments or passages. Rather, congregational Salah has to be performed in the concerned administrations' Masjids. (Part No. 6; Page No. 201