What is the minimum required number of worshippers for the obligation and validity of Friday prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The established opinion in the Madhhab is that forty individuals are required for the obligation and validity of Friday prayer. This view is narrated from 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz and 'Ubayd Allah ibn 'Abd Allah ibn 'Utbah, and it constitutes the Madhhab of Malik and al-Shafi'i. The evidence for this number is the narration from Ka'b ibn Malik who stated that the first one to lead the Friday prayer among them was As'ad ibn Zurarah, and they numbered forty people at that time.
Supporting text
A narration from Ahmad states that it is only valid with fifty people, based on reports regarding the Prophet (peace be upon him) leading fifty men. Another narration from Ahmad suggests validity with only three men, a view shared by al-Awza'i and Abu Thawr, arguing that the term 'gathering' (*jam'*) applies to three, and the Quranic injunction applies. Abu Hanifah posits that it is valid with four, as four exceeds the minimum for a general gathering. Rabi'ah states it is valid with twelve, referencing the Prophet's letter to Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr to establish Friday prayer with two rak'ahs and a sermon, and a report concerning the small number remaining with the Prophet during a market departure.