Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadīyah, Vol. 1, p. 409
❖ Question
In a masjid, the congregational prayer is held at its appointed time. After that congregation is completed, a few individuals arrive at the masjid. Since they did not offer Salah in congregation, they wish to establish another congregation. The question is: In such a case, is Iqāmah necessary or not? If it is necessary, please clarify.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
◈ For a second congregation, Iqāmah is not obligatory.
◈ However, there is no doubt regarding it being recommended (mustaḥabb).
❖ Evidence
In Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, under the chapter Bāb Faḍl Ṣalāt al-Jamāʿah, the practice of Ḥaḍrat Anas ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه is mentioned:
وَجَاءَ انس بن مالک اِلی مَسْجِدِ قَدْ صُلِّیَ فِيه فَاَذَّنَ واقام وَصَلیٰ جَمَاعَة
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Vol. 1, p. 79)
Translation:
Ḥaḍrat Anas ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه came to a masjid where the congregation had already been offered. He then gave the adhān, called the iqāmah, and offered Salah in congregation.
❖ Conclusion
◈ From this athar, it is established that calling Iqāmah for a second congregation is permissible.
◈ There is no evidence prohibiting it.
◈ Therefore, following the practice of Ḥaḍrat Anas رضي الله عنه, calling Iqāmah is better, though it is not a strict requirement.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
