Among the evidence for the non-prescription of multiple congregations in the mosque is the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) intention to burn the houses of those who lag behind

The Shaykh : Therefore, we understand the reason for the Messenger’s (peace and blessings be upon him) threat of the Fire to those who lag behind from the congregational prayer; that is, because there was no second congregation. Had the second congregation been prescribed and known, the laggards threatened by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) with burning in the Fire would have been able, with great ease, to say: “O Messenger of Allah, we are praying a second and third congregation that you have prescribed for us; so why this severe threat and warning of burning in the Fire?” But could they have done that? No, because they—meaning the Companions—did not know of this second congregation that we are discussing today, as if reality requires treatment. And there is a Gospel wisdom I mention: that Isa (peace be upon him) once addressed the disciples and informed them that false prophets would come after him. Naturally, he told them about Ahmad (peace be upon him), who is the Seal of the Prophets and the noble Messengers, so he foretold the coming of a truthful prophet and false prophets.

Eid Abbasi : ... the door opens if there is a space ... .

The Shaykh : With the coming of the truthful Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) and the coming, also, of false prophets, they said: “O Isa, how do we distinguish the truthful from the liar?” He then said his famous words: “You will know them by their fruits.” From the outcome of these false prophets and the truthful prophet’s conduct in life and his dealings with people, you will know the truthful from the liar. And I benefit from this wisdom in many disputed issues; some say it is permissible, and some say it is not permissible; so I look at the fruit of each opinion. When I find that the fruit of one opinion is corruption for society, I take this as proof that this opinion is not from the Shari'ah, but rather an opinion held by some. Similarly, I look at the opinion of some scholars that the second congregation is permissible. What is the fruit of this opinion? We have seen it in ourselves and in others: a lack of concern for the first congregation. What is the fruit of the opinion that says this second congregation is not prescribed? Great attention and strong care for the first congregation, just as the righteous Salaf used to do. So the Gospel wisdom proved true: “You will know them by their fruits.”