Q 1: I am a Saudi student who is studying in the United States. We have some difficulties that prevent us from offering Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. We did not offer it because we knew that it is not permissible unless there are 40 men and we are less than forty. We do not know whether we are pardoned for that or not.

A: Anyone who is a resident of a given place and does not have to shorten Salah (Prayer) must offer Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer according to the soundest of the scholars' views. The presence of forty men is not one of the conditions of a valid Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. The presence of three or more men who are residents of a given area is sufficient for a valid Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. This is according to the soundest opinion of religious scholars and is based on the generality of the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He): O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salât (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allâh [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). And the Saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Let some people desist from neglecting Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayers, or else Allah will seal their hearts and they will be among the negligent.” (Part No. 8; Page No. 212)  Related by Muslim. The people who are residents of a given place and do not have to shorten Salah (Prayer) have to offer Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer just as the residents do.As regards the past days when you did not offer Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer because you thought it was not obligatory for you unless there were 40 men, we hope that Allah (Exalted be He) will forgive you for it because you did not know the ruling.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.