FAJR REMINDER: KHALWA ISN’T AN EXCUSE!
By: Umm Affān
Sha'bān 4, 1447 (23-January-2026)
Yawm Al-Jumu’ah, known as the day of congregational prayer for Muslims, holds a special significance. Unlike the other five daily obligatory prayers, which can be performed individually under valid circumstances, Jumu’ah prayer cannot be observed alone. It is considered Wājib (compulsory) for every able adult male Muslim who is neither sick nor traveling. This makes it an essential practice in Islām.
Neglecting or failing to attend Jumu’ah without a valid excuse is regarded as a grave sin. The Prophet (ﷺ) warned, “People should come for Jumu’ah and stop neglecting it, or else Allāh will most certainly seal their hearts and they will most certainly be among the Ghāfilīn (those who do not remember Allāh at all).” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 865] Additionally, he stated, “Whoever leaves three Jumu’ah consecutively out of negligence will have a seal placed upon his heart.” [Sunan An-Nasa'i 1369].
Regrettably, some individuals isolate themselves for extended periods, neglecting the obligatory prayers, under the guise of being in Khalwa (a state of seclusion or isolation) that they or others have deemed appropriate. They justify their actions by referencing the Prophet’s (ﷺ) time spent in the cave of Hira for meditation. This reasoning lacks foundation, as it is well-known that there were no prayer obligations during his visits to the cave.
Furthermore, I’tikāf (a form of lawful seclusion during Ramaḍān) is only valid when conducted in a Masjid where Jumu’ah is performed. Khalwa, however, offers no allowance for obligatory prayers, including Jumu’ah. There is no record of the Prophet (ﷺ) ever missing a prayer solely based on being in seclusion. Thus, Khalwa cannot serve as a legitimate excuse for skipping the Jumu’ah prayer. Shouldn’t those who practice this fear that their hearts will be sealed?
I beseech Allāh to protect us from transgressions. Aameen.
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