Question: What is the ruling on holding Jumu'ah prayers in two or more locations within a single two or neighbourhood, with a clear and sufficient evidence-base

Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah responded: Know, may Allāh guide you, that the majority of scholars hold the position that it is prohibited to hold multiple Jumu'ah prayers in a single town unless there is a genuine need. This is because the Prophet ﷺ never held more than one Friday prayer in Madinah throughout his lifetime, and the same was true during the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali (may Allāh be pleased with them all)—as well as in other Islamic cities during the early period of Islam. The reason for this is that Islamic law encourages unity, as gathering Muslims in one place for Friday and Eid prayers fosters cooperation in righteousness and piety, upholds the symbols of Islam, and strengthens bonds of brotherhood, mutual affection, and familiarity. It also facilitates learning Islam, mutual encouragement in good deeds, and increases virtue and reward due to the larger congregation. Moreover, it frustrates the enemies of Islam—hypocrites and others—by demonstrating unity and preventing division. Numerous texts from the Qur'ān and Sunnah emphasise the importance of unity and harmony while warning against division and discord. Among these are the words of Allah Almighty: ﴿وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلا تَفَرَّقُوا﴾ “And hold firmly to the rope of Allāh all together and do not become divided.” [Āl ‘Imran: 103] And His saying: ﴿وَلا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا وَاخْتَلَفُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ﴾ “And do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them.” [Aal ‘Imran: 105] The Prophet ﷺ also stated in an authentic hadith: “Indeed, Allāh is pleased with three things for you and displeased with three: He is pleased that you worship Him and do not associate anything with Him, that you hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not become divided, and that you offer sincere advice to those whom Allāh has placed in authority over you.” Based on this, it becomes evident that the obligation is for the people of a town or village to gather for a single Jumu'ah prayer, just as they unite for a single ’Eid prayer—provided this can be done without undue hardship. This is supported by the aforementioned evidence, the previously stated reasons, and the significant benefits of communal unity. However, if there is a pressing need to establish two or more Jumu'ah prayers in a town or a large district, then, according to the soundest opinion among scholars, this is permissible. Such a need includes cases where the town is geographically vast, making it difficult for its inhabitants to gather in a single masjid. In this case, it is acceptable to hold Jumu'ah prayer in two or more masjids as needed. Similarly, if a district is so large that its residents cannot all gather in one masjid, it is permissible to establish two Jumu'ah congregations, similar to what is done in villages. For instance, when Baghdad was built and expanded significantly, two Jumu'ah prayers were established—one in the eastern side and the other in the western side. This took place in the middle of the second century [Hijri] in the presence of renowned scholars, and they did not object to it due to the necessity. Likewise, during the caliphate of Ameer Al-Mu’minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allāh be pleased with him), when it was mentioned to him that there were weak individuals in Kufa who found it difficult to travel to the open desert for the ’Eid prayer, he instructed that an ’Eid prayer be established within the town while he himself led the main congregation in the desert.