Jumu`ah is the largest weekly assembly of Muslims; it is intended to foster a sense of community and unity among Muslims; therefore, it should be the biggest gathering of Muslims possible in the town or village.

Therefore, scholars are divided on the precise number of Muslims necessary to hold the Jumu`ah. Some say the minimum number should be forty; others say, it should be twelve, and still others place the minimum at three. All of them, however, agree that the larger the number better.

Since there is nothing in the sources to insist on a specific number, there is no need for us to consider any of these views as absolutely binding.

One may hold Jumu`ah therefore even if one can gather three persons, two besides the Imam – as some eminent scholars have stated.

Allah Almighty knows best.