I am writing with regard to the article “Why should shops be closed during prayer time?” (July 4). Shops should not be closed during prayer time. Many of us have seen shopkeepers who have closed their shops but who simply wait for prayer time to be finished rather than going to pray. This is fear of the authorities, not fear of Allah.



Navid, Online response



II.



You ask why shops should be closed?  So that people can go to pray without distraction. And what about the workers in the stores? Don’t they deserve to be able to pray in congregation in the mosques?



TK, Online response

III.



There is no doubt that closing shops during prayer time facilitates praying, but it should not be forced on people. People who don’t want to pray, won’t pray whether shops are closed or not.  The government is considering closing shops early which will not be practical if shops have to close for prayers. A lot of time is lost between Asr and Isha prayers due to prayer breaks.



Azhar, Online response



IV.



Closing shops during prayer time is the right decision as it publicly shows and enforces the respect for prayer, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The author of the article is defending his secular approach to Islam, which is similar to Christianity in Europe, where religion is a private matter between an individual and Allah and does not have an impact on the daily life of people, the laws, or the government.



Rachid, Online response