In the Name of Allāh.

Lo, the call of Jumu’ah invites, echoing through the streets, the pathways, and the hearts of those who worship Allāh. “Is anyone out there?” seeking the faithful, to join in the holy gathering, the sacred union of prayer and community.

Indeed, when it’s time for Jumu’ah (Khutbah and Ṣalāh), Allāh commands us to leave our businesses and our worldly distractions, to answer this call, this duty, to come together in worship, in peace. However, this call does not include abandoning our responsibilities to the sick, the weak, and the vulnerable. For indeed, Islām is a realistic religion, a religion of mercy, a religion of balance.

Thus, exempted are those in life-threatening or other unavoidable and critical areas such as Health, Security, and Transportation, that can be placed under Ḥājah (Need) and Darūrah (Necessity or Emergency). Of course, an aspect of the higher objectives of Islāmic Jurisprudence is protection (from) and avoidance of harm. So, there is a maxim that says; “Ad-Dararu yuzāl – Harm must be eliminated.” This means, our prayer should not put other lives in jeopardy. However, for those in such work areas, shift (of work) should be employed to allow some Muslims to attend Jumu’ah. Let’s find harmony in our service to Allāh and mankind.

Furthermore, once the Jumu’ah prayer is concluded, we are permitted to return to our works, businesses, and other engagements.

I beseech Allāh to strengthen us to answer the call of Jumu’ah and accept all our acts of worship. Aameen

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