Q: Please advise if it is permissible for a muslim business to remain open during the Jumuah Salaah. The reason for remaining open, as stated by the owner, is that the business is generally very busy at that time and the business is run by the non-muslim manager during the time of Jumuah.
A: Jumuah is amongst the salient symbols and features of Islam. Respecting the salient symbols of Islam is a sign of true faith. Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’aan:
وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّـهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ ﴿الحج: ٣٢﴾
And whoever respects the symbols of Allah Ta’aala, then such (respect) is a sign of true piety of the heart. (Surah al-Hajj, Aayah 32)
If the respect of the sacred features and symbols of Deen (e.g. the Azaan, the Ka’bah Shareef, the Masaajid, the Jumuah Salaah, etc.) no longer remains in the heart of a person, one can well imagine what Deen will be left in the life of such a person! On the converse, if a person reveres and respects the sacred features and symbols of Deen and adheres to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Allah Ta’ala will bless him with true happiness and contentment. Hence, in showing respect to the Jumuah Salaah, which is a salient feature of Islam, a Muslim ought to close his business during the time of Jumuah. Insha-Allah, by doing so, Allah Ta’ala will grant him immense barakah and an increase in his sustenance.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (سورة الجمعة الآية 9)
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