Should Commercial Enterprises Close For Prayers? Saudi Arabian law says that commercial enterprises must close daily during prayer times to ensure that all Muslims pray. That would be five times a day and 30 minutes for each prayer. But instead of praying

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Should Commercial Enterprises Close For Prayers

If you think that waiting for a long time to buy something is bothersome, think again. On my way to the cash register, I found a huge line awaiting me. It took me 20 minutes to become second. Then when it was my turn, the salesperson said, “It’s time to close.” He wouldn’t even let me purchase the coat. “Why?” I asked. “Because of Prayers!” I was frustrated. I’ve been waiting for the past 30 minutes and he expects me to come back after the store opens. Why can’t he just take the money and let me be. He says, “Because it’s against the law. And we are in Saudi Arabia.”

        Saudi Arabian law says that commercial enterprises must close daily during prayer times to ensure that all Muslims pray. That would be five times a day and 30 minutes for each prayer. But instead of praying, some people end up waiting in the car next to a store. And it becomes a hassle for non-Muslims. Also, not all Muslims are devoted enough to go pray the minute the stores close. Even though it is preferred to have the prayer on time, God gave us the whole time between prayers to perform these tasks and accommodate for other things in life. And the devoted Muslims would do that without the stores having to close. So why have that law if not all Muslims follow it? All it does is make life harder for both Muslims and non-Muslims. They are forced to rush while shopping and eating so they aren’t either kicked out or locked in.

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        But the main problem is that this law is heresy. The Saudi Arabian Constitution states, “Saudi Arabia is a sovereign Arab Islamic state with God’s Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet, God’s prayers and peace be upon him, as its constitution.” But nothing in Arab and Muslim history proves that shops must close during prayer times. Mr. Marzouk bin Tenbak says, “There is no evidence that shows the men of Al Hesba (the religious police) ordered the closing of businesses during the prayer.” The Quran also declares, “When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation (a Salat al-Jumu’ah- ...

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