Is Jumu'ah obligatory upon a traveler ('Musafir')?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Friday Prayer

Book 4 · Issue 9 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The majority of scholars hold that Jumu'ah is not obligatory upon a traveler. This was the view of Malik concerning the people of Medina, al-Thawri concerning the people of Iraq, al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Abu Thawr, and is narrated from 'Ata', Umar bin Abd al-Aziz, al-Hasan, and al-Sha'bi. The evidence is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) traveled and did not perform Jumu'ah during his travels, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs did the same. Furthermore, companions like Anas did not perform Jumu'ah while residing in Nishapur for a year or two.

Supporting text

It is reported from al-Zuhri and al-Nakha'i that it is obligatory upon the traveler because congregational prayer is obligatory upon them, making Jumu'ah, being more emphasized, necessarily obligatory.