Can the Imam offer the Salat (prayer) with only those who are present (for the prayer)? And can be deliver a Khutba (religious talk) on Friday if it is raining?
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying: 'Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.' Gabriel would love him, and then Gabriel would make an announcement among the residents of the Heaven, 'Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.' So, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6040 In-book : Book 78, Hadith 70 USC-MSA web (English) : Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 66 (deprecated)
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