The Obligation of the Friday Prayer and the Number Required for Its Performance
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Fatwa No. ( 1794 )
Q: How many men are required to be present for the validity of the Friday prayer? Some people have said that it is not valid unless there are 40 men, and if they are fewer than that, they should pray the midday prayer. The villages in Bani Shahr where we live do not have more than twelve men in any one of them, and some are far apart from others. Is it permissible for them to pray the Friday prayer? Or must they pray the midday prayer because the number is less than forty men?
A: Performing the Friday prayer is obligatory for Muslims in their villages on Friday, and a congregation is a condition for its validity. No scriptural evidence has been established that requires a specific number for its validity. Therefore, it is sufficient for its validity that it be performed by three or more men. It is not permissible for one upon whom it is obligatory to pray the midday prayer in place of the Friday prayer due to the number being less than forty, according to the correct opinion of the scholars. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: How many men are required to be present for the validity of the Friday prayer? Some people have said that it is not valid unless there are 40 men, and if they are fewer than that, they should pray the midday prayer. The villages in Bani Shahr where we live do not have more than twelve men in any one of them, and some are far apart from others. Is it permissible for them to pray the Friday prayer? Or must they pray the midday prayer because the number is less than forty men?
A: Performing the Friday prayer is obligatory for Muslims in their villages on Friday, and a congregation is a condition for its validity. No scriptural evidence has been established that requires a specific number for its validity. Therefore, it is sufficient for its validity that it be performed by three or more men. It is not permissible for one upon whom it is obligatory to pray the midday prayer in place of the Friday prayer due to the number being less than forty, according to the correct opinion of the scholars. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.