| المستخلص: |
Performing congregational prayers in the mosque is one of the most impor¬tant Islamic rites and one of the distinctive features of the Islamic society which Muslims in every place and age must manifest and establish. It is known that in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it is compulsory for shops, res¬taurants and other businesses to close at the time of congregational prayers, a matter that continues to be observed until present. A few years ago it was claimed that this practice contradicts Islamic law and is considered a bid'a [innovation in religion]. This study answers such a claim. It comprises the following: Chapter 1: It comprises the ruling for congregational prayers and for per¬forming congregational prayers in the mosque. The chapter is divided into the following sections: (i) The ruling for congregational prayers. (ii) The ruling for performing congregational prayers in the mosque. (iii) The significance of congregational prayers for rulers with examples. Chapter 2: It poses the question of whether the ruler's decision ends disa¬greements, discusses the ruler's entitlement to restrict what is permissible, and mentions the conditions for the legal maxim "The ruler is entitled to restrict what is permissible". Chapter 3: The chapter discusses the ruling for closing shops at the time of congregational prayers and introduces different views and juristic opinions accompanied by evidences, a discussion of the evidences, and an explication of the chosen opinion and the evidence substantiating it. The conclusion: It comprises the most important results reached which are as follows: 1. Performing congregational prayers in the mosque is one of the most im¬portant religious rites that Muslims must manifest. 2. The ruler may choose a recognized legal opinion to end disagreements and obligate others to follow it. 3. It is permissible for the ruler to restrict what is permissible for the public interest provided it does not continue to be implemented except if the inter¬est persists. 4. Closing shops at the time of congregational prayers is part of Islamic law if the ruler decides to obligate it.
|
