The conditions of the validity of Jumu`ah Prayer

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Q: We would like to ask your Excellency a question that occupies our minds. We are a group of clerks working in one of the branches of Sabek factory in the Second Industrial District on Al-Kharj Road, about 50 km from Riyadh. Our work requires that we remain on duty on-site for the entire day, and so we observe the Five Obligatory Daily Prayers in the factory's control room behind monitors, alarm systems and a phone in an area measuring approximately 6m x 3m. We have held the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer twice before (Part No. 7; Page No. 63) in this facility. Our numbers in the Salah does not exceed ten persons. It is noted that there is no Masjid (mosque) nearby us and nor residential buildings. Since we cannot leave the factory due to necessary and overwhelming work commitments, is it permissible to hold Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer in this place? As we may miss praying Jumu'ah once or twice every month, do the Jumu`ah Prayers we have previously offered suffice? Please provide us with the correct view, may Allah reward you.

A: If the case is as mentioned in the question, the Jumu`ah Prayer is neither applicable to nor obligatory upon you. This is because one of the conditions for its validity is that you be permanent residents, which you are not. You are only bound to constantly remain in your work place. Based on this, you must repeat the Jumu`ah Prayers you have previously observed and make them up as Zhuhr (Noon) Prayers.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.