Question
We have approximately 5-7 boys who attend schools and are unable to read Jummah on time. We are thus making an effort to ensure that these boys do not go without performing Jummah. We have already made arrangements for an Imaam to perform the second Jummah.
We would appreciate it if we can perform a second Jummah as it is only a venue that is hindering us from performing the Jummah.
Would this be valid?
Answer
The Fuqaha have written that it is Makrooh to hold a second Jamaat (in a Masjid) where a first Jamaat together with Adhaan and Iqaamah have taken place.
However, some of the current day Muftis have consented to having two Jumuah congregations at one venue in those countries where the Masajid / Musallahs are limited and unable to accommodate the huge crowds. Due to a severe necessity of this nature, concession has been afforded.
[Mahmoodul Fataawa pg.531/532 vol.1]
In your particular scenario, we do not find a dire necessity for holding a second Jamaat at the Jamaat Khana, especially since it concerns just a handful of students numbering five or seven. These students should petition the school authorities to grant them leave for Jumuah, or else they should change their school.
In our country there is a large number of Masajid and Musallahs available where Jumuah is held on a weekly basis. If the alternatives suggested for the students in the previous paragraph are not possible, then one alternative is for some to Masaajid make slight time-adjustments to accommodate the school students and even other working-class people who are unable to reach the Masjid for Jumuah at the standard Jumuah times.
Certain Masajid / Musallahs are simply required to delay their Jumuah Salaah by an hour or so (meaning that their first Jamaat for Jumuah will be slightly later than others), whilst the remaining Masajid / Musallahs may continue with Salaah at the normal times. In this way, all latecomers (such as students, employees, travellers, etc.) could be afforded the opportunity to perform their Jumuah Salaah with Jamaat at a later time.
The following proposal could possibly assist in resolving the matter; a different Masjid could hold the Jumuah at normal times whilst the Musalla could delay their Jumuah times to accommodate late comers. This shouldn’t be an issue for Musallis that frequent the Musalla for Jumuah since there is an alternate venue available in close proximity. At the same time there is an Imaam available who is willing to lead the congregation a little later. By adopting this plan this matter could be easily resolved.
Secondly, by initiating the practice of holding a second Jamaat at one venue, it is possible that this practice (of having two Jamaats on the basis of convenience) will soon become the norm in society, whereas holding a second Jamaat has been permitted on the basis of dire necessity as we have explained above. We therefore do not approve of holding a second Jamaat at the Jamaat Khana at this stage, rather we advise the committee members to consider adopting the above-mentioned proposal.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.