Question (Q-44)
Is it permissible for Jumu’ah to be performed in several places within the same city?
Answer:
It is permissible for Jumu’ah to be performed in several places within the same city. The verdict (Fatwā) within the Hanafī school is given in accordance with this statement. It is stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 160,
و تؤدي الجمعة في مصر واحد في مواضع کثيرة وهو قول أبي حنيفه و محمد رحمهما اللّٰه تعاليٰ وهو الاصح
“Jumu’ah may be performed in numerous places within one city. This is the position of Abū Hanīfah and Muhammad (رحمهما الله) and it is the most authentic position.”
It is not a condition for Jumu’ah to take place in a Masjid. Rather, Jumu’ah can take place in a house or a field. Al Imām Ahmad Razā (رضى الله عنه) says, “It is a condition for Jumu’ah that it be performed in a city or within the vicinity of a city. It is not a condition for Jumu’ah that it take place in a Masjid or within a building. Thus, it can take place within a house or a field. It is necessary for it to be open to the public.” It is stated in Badā’i of Al Imām Malik ul ‘Ulamā,
السلطان إذا صلي في داره ان فتح باب داره جاز و ان لم يأذن للعامة لا تجوز
“When the king prays in his house, it is permissible to perform Jumu’ah there if he opens the door to his house. If he does not permit the general public then Jumu’ah is not permissible.” (Al Fatāwā Ar Ridhwiyyah, Volume 8, Page 444, Published in Lahore)
If there is a Jāmi’ Masjid which is not open to the public then Jumu’ah is not permissible there.
ان جماعة لو اجتمعوا في الجامع و اغلقوا ابواب المسجد علي أنفسهم و جمعوا لم يجز
“If a group gather in Al Jāmi’ and they lock the doors of the Masjid whilst they are gathered inside, it will not be permissible.” (Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 163)
Therefore, if people perform Jumu’ah in a place which is open to the public for its performance then Jumu’ah is valid even if the place is not a Masjid. An example of this is an open field.
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
