Ruling on Holding a Second Congregational Prayer in the Mosque

✦ Extracted from: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1
Organized for clarity with structured headings.

❖ Question​

Is it permissible to hold a second congregational (jamāʿah) prayer in a mosque after the first congregation has been completed?

❖ Answer​

Yes, it is permissible to hold a second congregational prayer in a mosque after the completion of the first one.

This is supported by the statement of Allah Almighty:
"وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ"
(Al-Baqarah: 43)
“And bow with those who bow [in worship].”

If no second congregation is held after the first one, then how would one fulfill the command of bowing with those who bow?

❖ Prophetic Practice​

The practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also supports the permissibility of a second congregation.

Narration:
Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a man who came after the congregation had finished. He ﷺ said:

“Who among you would do a charitable trade with him (in reward)?”
Then a man stood up and prayed with him.
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, Abū Dāwūd)

❖ Example from the Companions​

According to Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Anas ibn Mālik (RA) once entered a mosque where the congregational prayer had already been held. He called the adhān and iqāmah and led a second congregation.

This act from a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ further strengthens the permissibility.

❖ Summary​

◄ It is permissible to hold a second congregation in a mosque after the first one.
◄ This ruling is based on Qur’anic verse, Prophetic ḥadīth, and the practice of the Companions.