What is the minimum number of people required for the validity of a congregational prayer?

The congregational prayer is one of the great manifestations of unity among believers. It brings them together and unites them as one, holding onto the firm rope of Allah. This fulfills the divine command, “And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided” (Quran, 3:103).

Among its many virtues, congregational prayer protects believers from Satan and his followers. Abu al-Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If three people in a village or in the desert do not establish prayer among them, Satan has gained mastery over them. So, adhere to the congregation, for indeed the wolf eats the isolated sheep” (recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasa’i, and al-Hakim).

Due to the great importance of congregational prayer in the life of a Muslim, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged it, recommended it, and promised a great reward for performing it. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Praying in congregation is superior to praying alone by twenty-seven degrees” (Bukhari and Muslim).

 

The minimum number of individuals required for a congregational prayer to be valid is two — the imam and at least one follower. This is based on the hadith narrated by Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Two persons or more constitute a congregation” (recorded by Ibn Abu Shayba in his Musannaf, al-Daraqutni in his Sunan, al-Tabarani in his Al-Mu‘jam Al-Awsat, and al-Hakim in his Al-Mustadrak).

Scholars unanimously agree that the minimum number for a congregational prayer is at least one worshiper, apart from the imam.
Imam al-Nawawi noted in Sharh Sahih Muslim (5:175), “The congregation is valid with an imam and one follower; this is the consensus among Muslims.” Imam Muwaffaq al-Din Ibn Qudamah noted in Al-Mughni (2:131), “The congregation is established with two or more individuals, and we do not know of any disagreement on this matter.”

The ruling
Based on the above, the minimum number of individuals required for the validity of the congregational prayer is two, the imam and at least one follower.

And Allah the Almighty knows best.