Ruling on performing Jumu`ah Prayer outside the village on the part of farmers
Q:
We are a group consisting of forty-two families, each has some men. We have been living in the same region for one third or half of the year, for the purposes of farming. Is it obligatory upon us to offer the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer during our stay in this region?
You should bear in mind that we do not live in one area as a village; rather, we live in dispersed camps, where we can see each other at times when plants and herbs grow less. Can the report that the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered the Jum`ah Prayer under a tree on his way of Hijrah (the Prophet's migration to Madinah) lend support to this? We are confused, so guide us with a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in this regard. May Allah reward you with the best!
A:
If the reality is as you mentioned, you do not have to offer the Jum`ah Prayer, for you fall under the ruling of nomadic Bedouins, rather than the people of villages and territories. As for the report you mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered the Jum`ah Prayer on his way to Hijrah under a tree, this is utterly baseless.May Allah grant us all success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!