If the imam prays alone after the adhan and iqama, he will receive the reward of congregation

Question

If after the adhan there is no other worshipper in the mosque, may the imam hold the congregation alone or not?

Answer

In such a situation the imam should pray alone, after saying the iqama (takbir). By this he will receive the reward of congregation, in sha’ Allah. And he should try, by doing tabligh in the neighbourhood, to awaken in people an eagerness and concern for the prayer.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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