Is it permissible for two congregational prayers to be held at the same time in one mosque, one for Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened, and the other for Maghrib and Isha combined and shortened?
It is disliked to have two congregational prayers in one mosque if the prayers are the same, as the principle is to gather behind one Imam. However, if the prayers differ, such as one congregation praying Dhuhr and another praying Asr by jama' taqdim (combining and advancing), there is no objection. Although the preponderant opinion is that a difference in intention between the Imam and the ma'mum (follower) does not matter, observing the difference of opinion is commendable. A condition for this permissibility is that there should be no disturbance that distracts the worshippers or prevents them from fully following. As for the simultaneous gathering of a congregation praying Maghrib and Isha by jama' (combining) with another congregation praying Dhuhr and Asr by jama', this is impermissible. This is because praying Maghrib and Isha before their time is not permissible, and intentionally delaying Dhuhr and Asr until after Maghrib is also not permissible, making the prayer a qada' (missed prayer to be made up).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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