Can I Pray Outside in a Non-Muslim Country If There Is No Mosque?
Question
I am currently traveling in non Muslims countries and no mosque available. Please note that my travel last approximately 3/4 months and I am only staying 1 or two nights in a place depending on the ocean weather as this is a boat travel. There is not always intimate space I can go to for prayer. The other day in one of the land stop, I found public bathroom to pray in. In one of my travel I have seen people praying outside, no prayer map. Is it permissible? I feel I could pray outside in the condition that no one is coming or passing in a private outside place, although I have never done it before.
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Yes, if a mosque is not available, it is permissible to perform Salah on any clean and pure ground, even in an open outdoor area. A prayer mat is not required; the only condition is that the place be clean and that the prayer can be performed correctly with all its essential requirements.
Therefore, if you find a suitable and reasonably quiet outdoor location where you will not inconvenience others, you may pray there. As for praying inside a public bathroom, it should be avoided as much as possible, and one should only resort to it in cases of genuine necessity.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
June 10, 2026 ¡ Updated June 25, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
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