Is it permissible for the Imam to deliver the sermon to one group and pray with another group?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
It is not permissible for the Imam to deliver the sermon to one group and pray with the other. The validity requires that those who attended the sermon also pray with the Imam.
Supporting text
This ruling is the opinion held by Al-Shafi'i.