Q 4: Is it permissible to perform Salah (Prayer) at home, especially the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, on account of fear or due to a parental order to do so? Can this be done temporarily or permanently, bearing in mind that the causes of fear are endless?

A: The principal ruling is that it is Wajib (obligatory) upon the male Muslim to perform congregational Salah (Prayer) in the Masjid (mosque). However, if a Muslim who is legally bound to perform Salah in the Masjid fears that he may be harmed if he goes out to the Masjid, he may perform Salah at home; for the Prophet, (peace be upon him) set it as a general rule by saying: There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who hears the Nida' (i.e. Adhan; call to Prayer) and he does not come to it (the Masjid), then there is no prayer (counted) for him except if he has a valid excuse. It was said to Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): " What is the excuse?", he answered: "Fear or illness." (Part No. 7; Page No. 16) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.