Title: Friday Prayers & the Muslim State Question/Comments: What is the proof that it is not obligatory for Muslim communities, in non Muslim countries, to organize the Friday prayer? Noman Ahmed Burney Answer: According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), the Jum`ah congregation and the Jum`ah prayers are to be organized by the Islamic state and the Jum`ah address is to be delivered by or on behalf of the Muslim rulers. This fact can clearly be seen in books of Muslim history. The point that it is not obligatory upon Muslims to organize a Jum`ah congregation in a non-Muslim state can clearly be derived from: The Prophet (pbuh) did not organize a Jum`ah congregation, till the time that a Muslim state came into existence in Medinah ; While living in Medinah , the Prophet (pbuh) did not direct any Muslims living in other areas to organize a Jum`ah congregation; and I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad March 10, 2002