384 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no Friday prayer incumbent upon a traveller.” It was related by al-Ṭabarānī with a weak chain (1).

Hadith grading
The report is weak, yet it is reinforced by supporting narrations. The author states: “Al-Ṭabarānī transmitted it with a weak chain because it contains ʿAbd Allāh ibn Nāfiʿ, whom a number of scholars declared weak.” Al-Albānī added: “Other traditions on this issue strengthen the hadith.”

Points derived from the two hadiths

1. They indicate that the Friday prayer is not obligatory for four groups:

a. A slave. Some have argued that it is waived for him because he is confined to his master’s service. This rationale is unsatisfactory, for Allah’s right is paramount. He, too, is addressed by the verse, “O you who believe! When the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade; that is better for you, if you only knew” (62:9). Because Allah’s claim overrides that of the master, the prayer remains obligatory for the slave, as preferred by our teacher ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Saʿdī.

b. An ill person. The obligation is lifted because illness excuses him; he lacks the ability to attend, and Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

c. A woman, for women are not among those required to attend men’s gatherings. Ibn al-Munḏir and others stated: there is unanimous agreement that Friday prayer is not obligatory for women, and unanimous agreement that if they do attend and perform it, it suffices for them.

d. A minor, because he is not yet legally accountable.