He said: 'Each group should have its own masjid where they gather for Jumu'ah prayer, and that suffices without them all needing to assemble in the main mosque.

This concludes his statement (may Allāh have mercy on him). Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allāh have mercy on him) was asked about the Jumu'ah prayer in the Citadel Mosque of Damascus—was it valid, given that another Jumu'ah sermon was being delivered elsewhere in the city? He replied: "Yes, it is permissible to perform the Friday prayer there, as it is considered a separate city, similar to the case of Fustat and Cairo. Even if it were not regarded as a distinct city, the establishment of multiple Jumu'ah prayers in a large city due to necessity is permissible according to most scholars. This is why, when Baghdad was built with two distinct sections, a Jumu'ah prayer was held in the eastern part and another in the western part, and most scholars approved of this." This concludes his statement (may Allāh have mercy on him). From what has been mentioned, it becomes clear to the questioner that establishing two or more Jumu'ah congregations in a single city is permissible if there is a necessity for it. This necessity may arise due to the limited capacity of a single masjid, which cannot accommodate all the residents, or because the city is vast and its districts are far apart, making it extremely difficult for people to gather in one masjid. Another valid reason would be if the city’s inhabitants belong to different tribes or factions between whom there is hostility and conflict, raising fears that their gathering in one place could lead to discord or even violence. In such a case, each group may hold its own Friday prayer as long as the hostility persists. The same applies to similar circumstances that warrant such an exception. However, an important issue must be highlighted: In later times, some people, in cities where two or more Jumu'ah prayers were conducted, began performing the Dhuhr prayer after Jumu'ah prayer, claiming that this was a precaution in case one of the Jumu'ah congregations was invalid. In reality, this practice is a clear evil and an unwarranted addition to Islam, which should not be approved. Scholars who encountered this practice strongly objected to it because Allah has only obligated five daily prayers on Muslims, including on Fridays. Those who introduce this practice impose six prayers on Friday, which contradicts Islamic teachings. Even if they do not make it obligatory but merely recommend or permit it, such an action remains impermissible as it constitutes a religious innovation. It has been authentically reported that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ used to say in his Friday sermon: "The best speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace be upon him). The worst of matters are newly invented ones, and every innovation is misguidance." [Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih] Additionally, it is recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that ’Āishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever introduces into our religion something that does not belong to it, it will be rejected." (In another narration by Muslim: "Whoever performs an action that is not in accordance with our teachings, it will be rejected." May Allāh guide all Muslims to a proper understanding of His religion, adherence to His law, and vigilance against anything that contradicts it. Indeed, He is capable of all things. And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.