Question:

Zaib, Bakr and Umar are Hanafis and they work in a company in the city. Due to their jobs, they do not find the time to perform the Jumuah prayer. Instead of Jumuah the three get together and perform the Zuhr prayer in congregation. Based on this excuse, are they allowed to leave the Jumuah prayer and perform Zuhr in congregation?

Answer:  حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

Since Jumuah is compulsory on these brothers it is fardh on them to perform it. The company’s job is not a valid excuse for missing Jumuah.

(Ma’khooz az Imdaadul Fataawaa 1/680)

However, if they did perform the Zuhr prayer instead of Jumuah, the Jumuah will fall off. They will however be sinful for missing Jumuah.

(Imdaadul Fataawaa 1/641)

Those people who are really excused i.e. the people that Shariah has considered their excuses as valid, for them to perform Zuhr prayer in congregation in the city is considered highly reprehensible (makrooh tahrimi). Such (excused) people should perform their Zuhr individually. They should also refrain from calling the Athaan and Iqaamah.

[So how could those upon whom Jumuah is fardh perform Zuhr in congregation? Translator’s note]

وكره تحريما لمعذور ومسجود ومسافر اداء ظهر بجماعة في مصر قبل الجمعة وبعدها لتقليل الجماعة (الدر المختار)

And Allah Ta’aalaa knows best.
(Hazrat Mufti) Ahmed Khanpuri (May Allah preserve him)
Mahmoodul Fataawaa 1/512-513