What is the ruling on performing two congregational prayers simultaneously in Al-Aqsa Mosque to defend it from the Israeli soldiers?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

Originally, the congregational prayer means unity. It aims at gathering people and getting rid of division. In normal circumstances, there must not be two congregational prayers which are performed in the same mosque at the same time. this is because such an action causes distractions and division. However, according to what you have mentioned, if you have to stay in your places to defend the mosque, if you are certain that once you leave your places, the soldiers will invade the mosque, if you cannot hear the loudspeakers which broadcast the prayer, the congregational prayer you are performing is hopefully acceptable. Moreover, those who perform it will get double rewards: the reward of defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and the reward of observing the prayer in a congregation.

In fact, performing two congregational at the same time in the same place in not desired because this may lead to division, or because this may happen as a result of the ego of some people who do not want to be followers, or because performing two congregational prayers causes disturbances. But once the cause of performing two congregational prayers is defending the mosque, there is no harm in doing that.

Additionally, it is better to be sure that there is not another group of Muslims who are performing the prayer in a congregation nearby. If there is a close group, it is better to follow them. If it is difficult, pray with another group keeping in mind the right intention.a