Is there an excuse for not performing the prayer (salat)?

As is well known, prayer (salat) is the most important act of worship commanded by our religion. After the testimony of faith (kalima shahada), it is the first of the five pillars upon which the structure of Islam is built. It is obligatory (fard) for every Muslim who is of sound mind and has reached puberty to perform the prayer. Delaying or neglecting it without a legitimate excuse that makes omission or postponement permissible is sinful. Prayer cannot be postponed for later (qada) unless there is a legitimate excuse such as oversleeping, forgetting, or being so ill that one cannot even perform it by gesture with the head. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If any one of you sleeps through a prayer or forgets it, let him pray it when he remembers.” (Muslim, Masajid, 316 [684]; see also Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 37 [597])

Being very busy, working to provide for one’s family, or traveling are not considered valid excuses for postponing the prayer. The Qur’an states: “Men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah, nor from performing prayer and giving zakat. They fear a day in which hearts and eyes will be overturned.” (al-Nur, 24/37)

Employers or those in charge at a workplace should provide their employees and workers with the opportunity to perform the Friday prayer and the five daily prayers. However, for the sake of not disrupting work and maintaining discipline, it is appropriate for the employee to seek permission from the employer or supervisor. Even if permission is not granted, the prayer performed is still valid. If someone works in a place where it is not possible to pray, it is advisable for them to seek employment where this opportunity exists.

If, despite searching, employees cannot find another opportunity, they may combine the noon (dhuhr) and afternoon (‘asr) prayers, either by performing ‘asr early during the time of dhuhr or by delaying dhuhr to the time of ‘asr; and the evening (maghrib) and night (‘isha) prayers, either by delaying maghrib to the time of ‘isha or performing ‘isha during the time of maghrib (by combining them). However, they should not forget that this is only permissible in cases of necessity.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu