Answered by: Maulana Muqtaur Rahman
Question
What is the proof for the minimum requirement for Jama’at in the 4 Schools? For Ahnaaf it is minimum four, but what about the other schools? Jazakumullahu Khayran
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The Prophet (pbuh) has mentioned: “When the time for the prayer becomes due, then one of you should pronounce its call (i.e. the Adhan), and the eldest of you should lead you in prayer.”[1]
The hadith above indicates two people enough to uphold a congregational prayer.
Imam Ibn Qudamah also brings in the opinion of the Hambali School of Fiqh, that two people is sufficient to perform a Jama’at (congregational prayer).[2]
He also mentions: “I have not seen a difference in this topic”[3]
Therefore, according to all the four schools of Islamic Fiqh, the minimum number of people required for a Jama’at (congregational prayer) is two people; one being the imam and another being the musalli.[4]
Finally, just to clarify the Ahnaf opinion of minimum of four people is in relation to Jumuah (Friday prayers) not Jama’at (Congregational Prayers).
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham