What is the ruling regarding the required number of attendees for Jumu'ah prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The required number of attendees must be maintained throughout the obligatory portion of the two sermons. The evidence for this rests on the fact that the sermon is a requisite condition for the validity of Jumu'ah, thus requiring the same condition as the opening takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram) regarding the number of participants. Unlike the Adhan, the sermon's purpose is admonition and reminder for those present, and it is derived from 'Khitab' (address), which is directed towards those in attendance.
Supporting text
A narration from Abu Hanifah states that the number of attendees is not required for the two sermons because the sermon is merely a remembrance preceding the prayer, similar to the Adhan, for which no specific number is required. If attendees depart during the sermon but return to attend the obligatory portion, the requirement is met; otherwise, they must return to attend the obligatory part before the prayer commences. If the separation is long, the sermon must be repeated if time remains.