QUESTION:
Are we allowed to pray Jumma prayers in a school? As Zuhr time starts much earlier, can we lead Jummah prayer in a School. We have some pupils who are Hifz students who can lead the Jamaat, is it allowed?
ANSWER:
Jumu’ah is invalid in schools/colleges. The ‘Ulamā have stipulated many conditions for Jumu’ah. One condition is that the place should be accessible to all (al-Idhn al-Ām). In other words, no one should be prevented from entering the place of prayer. (Radd al-Muĥtār). So if a Masjid closes their doors, then Jumu’ah will not count.
Schools and colleges do not allow access to the public therefore the condition is not met. One should try to go to the Masjid, if this is not possible, then one should prayer the Dhur Salah.
Allah knows best.
Answered by Mawlana Mohamed Husein Qadri