Q: I work as a foreign language teacher at a private institute. Classes are from 6 to 8 PM and 8 to 10 PM. This means that the congregational Salah (Prayer) of Maghrib (Sunset) and `Isha' (Night) are performed in the Masjid during the time of the classes. Nevertheless, we offer Maghrib Prayer at 7 o'clock and `Isha' Prayer at 9 o'clock i.e. about half an hour after the concerned congregational Salahs (Prayers) finish in the Masjid. Unfortunately, such phenomenon spreads (Part No. 6; Page No. 199) widely in private institutes for people in charge of them do not care about offering Salah on time. They claim that it is permissible to offer congregational Salah inside the concerned institutes. It is considerable to mention that the institute where I work is just next to a Masjid, so nothing necessitates abandoning Salah in the Masjid. Could you please tell us whether it is permissible for us to offer Salah inside the institute or should we complain against the people in charge of it, so the times of the classes are modified? Please, advise the heads of such institutes! May Allah reward you the best!

A: According to both verbal and practical Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him), it is Wajib (obligatory) on male Muslims to perform the congregational Salah in the Masjid. On the other hand, the Prophet (peace be upon him) intended to burn those who abandoned the congregational Salah, in their homes. The prophet's caliphs, Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), and their followers (may Allah be pleased with them all) thus used to perform the congregational Salah in the Masjid. In addition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith): Whoever hears Adhan (call to Prayer) and does not come to it (congregational Salah in the Masjid), his Salah is not accepted unless he has a (valid) excuse. It is authentically reported that a blind man said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): "O Messenger of Allah, (I am blind and) I do not find a person to accompany me to the Masjid. Is there any Rukhsah (concession) for me to pray at home?" The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Do you hear Adhan?" He said: "Yes". The Prophet said: "Then respond". According to another narration, the Prophet said: I do not find any Rukhsah for you. Consequently, it is Wajib on (male) teachers, employees, and students in question to perform congregational Salah in the neighboring Masjid. This is to follow the Sunnah, block the means to useless escape of Salah in the Masjid, and be far away from resembling the hypocrites. It is worth mentioning that the claim that performing Salah inside such institutes achieves their interest (Part No. 6; Page No. 200) and guarantees a better attendance of their students and staff members is not a Shar`y (Islamic legal) excuse.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.