Does the imam have the right to prevent the second congregation after the first congregation?

The questioner : Your Eminence! Does the imam have the right to prevent the second congregation after the first congregation?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible for the imam to prevent the second congregation after the first. If he does so, I fear that this constitutes opposing the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), because the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was to establish the second congregation after the first if there was an excuse. That is, if the latecomers did not intend to establish a second congregation, but rather entered and found that the congregation had already prayed, so they pray in congregation. This is the Sunnah. A man entered while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was with his companions, and he said: . This is establishing a congregation after a congregation. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . So we prohibit or prevent what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said is purer. Therefore, the man should fear Allah the Mighty and Majestic, and not prevent the Muslims from what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded, encouraged, and urged them to do. However, if this is made a custom, such that this imam prays in this mosque, and then when the imam finishes, a second imam comes and prays, then this is undoubtedly a religious innovation. The first imam does not prohibit it; rather, those responsible in the administration of endowments or in mosque affairs are the ones who prohibit it. Yes, that is correct.