Q: We are a group of workers in France. We have asked administration to provide us with a place to offer the Five Obligatory Daily Prayers and the Jumu'ah (Friday) Prayer, but the only room available is beneath a Christian church. We fell confused about this. Is it permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) and recite the Qur'an there? Please advise, may Allah reward you.

A: There is no harm in this, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, The earth has been made a means of purification and a place of Salah for me. So whenever the time of the Salah comes for anyone of you, you have your Masjid (mosque) and means of purification. The fact that the church lies above that room does not invalidate Salah there. However, if there is a Masjid where you can offer congregational Salah and Jumu'ah Prayer, you should offer Salah there; the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Whoever hears the Adhan (call to Prayer) and does not respond to it, their Salah is not accepted, except those who have an excuse. If you find a better place than this room, with no church above it, you should move to that place. May Allah facilitate your affairs and grant us all increased knowledge and Iman (faith). (Part No. 6; Page No. 270) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.