Among the evidence for the non-prescription of multiple congregations in the mosque is the concern of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to burn the houses of those who lag behind in the congregational prayer.
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The Shaykh : Therefore, we understand the reason for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) threatening those who lag behind in the congregational prayer with fire. It is because there was no second congregation. If a second congregation had been prescribed and known, the laggards threatened by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) with burning by fire could have easily said, "O Messenger of Allah, we are praying a second and third congregation that you have legislated for us. Why this severe threat and warning of burning by 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. It is as if reality requires treatment, and there is a Gospel wisdom. I say that Isa (peace be upon him) once addressed the disciples and informed them that false prophets would come after him. Of course, he also told them about Ahmad (peace be upon him), who is the Seal of the Prophets and the noble Messengers. He foretold the coming of a truthful prophet and false prophets.
The questioner : ... the voice from the door, open it if there is space ... .
The Shaykh : With the coming of the truthful Prophet Muhammad ibn 'Abd Allah (may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him) and the coming of false prophets as well, they said, "O Isa, how do we distinguish the truthful from the liar?" He said his famous statement: "You will know them by their fruits". From the outcome of the departure of these false prophets and the truthful prophet into life, and their treatment of 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 that as proof that this opinion is not from the Shari'ah, but rather an opinion held by some of them. 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? It is this great concern and care, as the Salaf ... did with the first congregation. So the Gospel wisdom was true: "You will know them by their fruits."
The questioner : ... the voice from the door, open it if there is space ... .
The Shaykh : With the coming of the truthful Prophet Muhammad ibn 'Abd Allah (may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him) and the coming of false prophets as well, they said, "O Isa, how do we distinguish the truthful from the liar?" He said his famous statement: "You will know them by their fruits". From the outcome of the departure of these false prophets and the truthful prophet into life, and their treatment of 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 that as proof that this opinion is not from the Shari'ah, but rather an opinion held by some of them. 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? It is this great concern and care, as the Salaf ... did with the first congregation. So the Gospel wisdom was true: "You will know them by their fruits."