Is Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer obligatory

Q: Is the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer Fard (obligatory) like the rest of the obligatory acts, or Wajib (obligatory based on a speculative text, according to the Hanafy School of Jurisprudence)? I am not allowed to go to offer it as I work for non-Muslims. I am confused between Allah's (Exalted be He) saying, 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 Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "Jumu`ah Prayer is Wajib upon every Muslim." Please advise, may Allah benefit you!


A: Jumu`ah Prayer is Fard upon each resident male Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) due to the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) mentioned in the question. It is not permissible for you to miss it because of work even if your employer asks you to do so, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that there is no submission in matters involving Allah's disobedience or displeasure. On the other hand, this saying, "Jumu`ah Prayer is Wajib upon every Muslim" is not a Hadith.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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