This took place in the earliest days of Islam, before the sanctity of the rites had become firmly rooted in their hearts, and the people were in pressing need of food. Even so, Allah reproached their action, saying, “When they see some trade or amusement, they break away to it and leave you standing.” (Qur’an 62:11)

Imam Mālik uses this hadith as evidence that the Friday prayer is valid with twelve men, yet the argument is not persuasive. The various opinions will be presented under hadith no. 380, God willing.