Not attending congregational prayer because of street dogs


Question:

A small brother asked me the question i dont know weather he attained puberty or not. He lives in place which is far from masjid and he desire to attend salah at masjid regularly. But the problem is at the time of fajr he is alone to come to the masjid and there is lot of dogs and there is not much people on street on that time he is feared. And he is asking whether he can do salah in home? Place he is living is not a town area.

Answer:

What is apparent from the question is that the boy is small and has not reached the age of puberty. So even attending the congregational prayer is not wajib (compulsory) upon him. Especially if he has no father or relative to accompany him. In addition, if there are dogs on the way he is more excused because the dogs are dangerous in some places.

Allah says :

“So fear Allah as much as you are able” (Surah Taghabun :16)
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” (Surah Al Baqarah 286)

In addition , even if there are no dogs, a small boy may attract the attention of some idiots who may kidnap him. So there is no necessity for him to attend the congregational prayer in this condition. Rather even an elder one will be excused in this state.

Answered by : Shaykh Abu Amr Abdul Kareem Al Hajooree hafidahullah