Can one Imaam lead multiple Jamaats (congregations) for one Salaah?
Question
Under the COVID – 19 restrictions, multiple Jamaats of 50 people are taking place. Can one Imaam lead all the Jamaats in Salaah?
Answer
In order for a congregation to be valid, the nature of the Imaam’s Salah must correspond with that of the Muqtadi’s (followers) Salaah in all its aspects.
Therefore, if an Imaam had already led a first congregation in a Fardh Salaah, he cannot lead a second congregation of the same Fardh Salaah. The same ruling applies to leading the Jumuah Salaah.
This is because, if an Imaam leads a second congregation of the same Fardh Salaah, the status of the Imaam’s Salaah will be that of a Nafl Salaah as he had already performed his Fardh Salaah. Essentially, the Muqtadi’s (followers) of the second congregation will be performing their Fardh Salaah behind an Imaam who is performing a Nafl Salaah that does not correspond with their Salaah. (Shaami 1/579)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
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