Q 11: Allah (Exalted be He) says in Surah Al-Jumu`ah: Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salât (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land Does giving lessons after Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer oppose the directions of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) that were stated in the previous Ayah? Would two persons offering Salah together have the same reward as the congregational Salah or would their reward be like a person who prays alone?

A: First, we have no proof that prevents giving a religious lesson after Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. It is well-known that lessons are given according to different circumstances. The Ayah which you mentioned does not contradict giving lessons, this is because whoever wants to sit and listen may do so, otherwise, they may leave. There is no harm as the matter is flexible, thanks to Allah (Exalted be He). However, it is better not to give lessons after the Khutbah (sermon) if there is no need, because the Khutbah is a form of preaching and it precedes these lessons, and by this way it would be repeated. The more Khutbahs and lectures delivered, the more boring they will become. This will make them seem unimportant and have less impact, (Part No. 12; Page No. 263) unless it is necessary to repeat them. Second, the Salah of two or more persons is considered congregational; however, the more the number of people increases, the more reward and grace they will receive. Congregational Salah should be offered with people at the Masjid (Mosques) and it is not permissible to miss it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever hears the call (Adhan) and does not come to it (the prayer), then there is no prayer for him except if he has an excuse." Related by Ibn Majah, Al-Daraqutny, and other compilers of Hadith with a good Sanad (chain of transmission). Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) was asked about the meaning of 'excuse', and he replied: It is either fear or illness.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.