Validity of praying the two congregational prayers (Jumu'ah) sequentially, each led by a different Imam, while having different followers in each prayer.
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is valid for a person to pray one of the two congregational prayers (Jumu'ah) with one Imam and the second with another Imam, provided that there is a follower praying with the first Imam and a second follower praying with the second Imam. The proof lies in the fact that each prayer stands on its own merit and is independent by its intention. Therefore, the unity of the Imam or the follower across both prayers is not a requirement, similar to non-combined prayers. Furthermore, permission is granted for a follower to separate from his Imam during a single prayer due to a valid excuse, making separation across two distinct prayers even more permissible. The intention of the follower did not conflict in the first prayer; he only intended to perform an action in the subsequent prayer, which is analogous to a traveler intending to complete the second prayer after concluding the first.
Supporting text
Ibn 'Aqil asserts invalidity because both the Imam and the follower are necessary components for establishing the validity of Jumu'ah, and their change is therefore impermissible. He argues that if continuity is stipulated for an excuse (like in tayammum), it must also be stipulated for both prayers.