What is the ruling regarding using personal opinion (*ra'y*) in determining the required number for Friday prayer?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Friday Prayer

Book 4 · Issue 6 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The number required for the obligation and validity of Friday prayer is based on prescribed textual evidence (*tawqif*); therefore, using personal reasoning is inapplicable. There is no basis for requiring a 'gathering' (implying a larger number) or for setting a specific limit beyond the term 'gathering,' as there is no textual basis to support it. If 'gathering' were sufficient, two men would suffice, as congregation is established with two.