Jumu’ah of a Shafi’ee if less than 40; Musaafir according to the Shafi’ee madhab

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

1. In principle, according to the Shafi’ee madhab, a congregation of forty is a requirement for the validity of the Jumu’ah salaah[1]. Hence, if the congregation at your place does not reach forty, the brother in reference will have to find an alternative congregation reaching the minimum limit of forty. It will not be permissible for him to leave out the Jumu’ah salaah and pray Zuhr instead. Jumu’ah salaah is an obligation upon every sound, healthy and residing Muslim[2]. It is not permissible to leave out the Jumu’ah salaah without a valid Shar’ee reason.

1. A musaafir is one who leaves his city limits, intending to eventually travel the safar distance for a lawful act[3].

And Allaah Ta’aala Knows Best

Muajul I. Chowdhury

Student, Darul Iftaa

Astoria, New York, USA

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.