—namely the state of fear and direct confrontation with the enemy—Muslims are still required to offer the prayer at its appointed time, even while facing the foe. The Noble Qur’an states: “When you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand and pray with you, keeping their weapons. Then, when they have prostrated, let them withdraw to the rear, and let another group who have not yet prayed come forward and pray with you, taking their precautions and their arms” (al-Nisāʾ 4:102). This concerns the circumstance of fear. He, the Exalted, also says: “Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devout obedience. But if you are in fear, then [pray] walking or riding” (al-Baqarah 2:238–239). That is: pray while walking or mounted if you are in a state of fear, pursued by an enemy you dread and from whom you are fleeing when the time for prayer arrives.

Thus, a Muslim prays according to his situation and must not delay the prayer beyond its time. It is a duty upon everyone to observe the prayers in their proper times, and no worldly occupation—whether work, study, or any other pursuit—may distract them from performing the prayer punctually.

Praying on time does not consume much of a person’s day, nor does it hinder him from earning a living; rather, it aids him in that quest.

Therefore you must pray Dhuhr on time and ʿAsr on time while at the workplace, setting aside a place where you can perform Dhuhr and ʿAsr at their respective times, whether you are studying or working. Likewise, it is incumbent upon the Muslim authorities, upon those in charge of education, and upon supervisors of all other Muslim endeavors to give prayer its due consideration and allow their students or employees to perform it at its appointed times without obstruction. This is the duty of Muslims in general and of their leaders and officials in particular, for without it the religion will not be complete.