Leaving the Masjid after the Adhan is announced
The second question of Fatwa no. 5133
Q: What is the ruling on leaving the Masjid (mosque) after the Adhan (call to Prayer)? Moreover, does the same ruling apply to a person who may be in a room, not used for Salah, within the precincts of the Masjid but when leaving, he passes through the courtyard of the Masjid?
A: It is not permissible to leave the Masjid after hearing the Adhan except to perform Wudu’, answering the call of nature, or any other necessity. It is reported that Abu Hurayrah saw a person leaving the Masjid after the Adhan. Upon this he remarked,
“This (man) disobeyed Abu Al-Qasim (peace be upon him).” Related by Muslim in his Sahih. The same ruling applies for a person who is in a room inside the precincts of the Masjid.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman
Abdullah ibn Qa`ud – Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan -Abdul-Razzaq `Afify – Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 6: Salah 1>Salah>Rulings related to the Masjids>
[Q] What is the ruling regarding leaving the Masjid after the Adhan has been called?
[A] Abu Hurayrah saw a man leave (the Masjid) after the Adhan (had been called) and said (about him):
As for this (one), then he has gone against (the teachings of) Abul-Qasim (Muhammad, peace be upon him).(Sahih Muslim)
And to go against (the teachings) principally is prohibited. Allah says:
It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. (Quran, 33:36)
So, because of this, the people having Islamic knowledge have said: Indeed it is not permissible for a person to leave the Masjid after the Adhan (has been called) except for an (Islamically justifiable) reason, such as leaving to make Wudhu or if he wanted to go to answer the call of nature, then he is permitted to leave, even if he misses the prayer as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
There is no prayer if food has been served or for him who needs to answer the call of nature. (Sahih Muslim)
So, if we say that someone is waiting for the prayer and then felt the need to go and answer the call of nature or even to pass wind, since some people (may be in) need of passing wind, then there is no harm if he left and relieved himself (and) then returned. And if he was able to (catch and) join the congregation, then it is a blessing, and if he was unable to do so, then there is no harm in this.
Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen
Majmoo Fatawa Bin Uthaymeen, Vol. 12, Pg. 200.
Source: Saudi Gazette of 12 Rabi Al-Awaal 1430 H
Related Link: https://abdurrahman.org/salah/adhan-call-to-prayer
AbdurRahman.Org 