Dr. Mahmoud Shalaby, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt’s Dar al-Iftaa, responded to a question from a citizen who said he struggles to perform all five daily prayers due to work pressure. Dr. Shalaby explained that a Muslim must care for their spiritual duties just as they care for their professional responsibilities, since prayer is the very pillar of faith.

Speaking on the television program “Fatawa al-Nas” broadcast on Al-Nas channel, he stated that being busy with work is not an acceptable excuse for missing prayers, citing the Quranic verse: “So woe to those who pray, but are heedless of their prayer.” He added that every prayer has a broad time window, giving Muslims the flexibility to perform it without conflict with their job.

“Out of divine mercy,” he continued, “each prayer time extends for several hours. A person doesn’t have to pray immediately at the call to prayer, but they must ensure it is done before the time passes.”

Dr. Shalaby emphasized that any work distracting one from prayer is devoid of blessing, quoting a saying from the early scholars: “May Allah not bless any work that distracts from prayer.” He stressed that Salah is what brings true barakah (blessing) in one’s livelihood, health, and life.

He advised Muslims to view prayer as a source of rest, not a burden — a sacred pause that restores their energy and peace of mind. And for those who fall short, repentance remains open as long as life continues, for Allah is ever-forgiving and merciful.

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