Originally posted 2019-05-01 11:44:31.

The Obligation and Virtue of Congregational Prayer

Observing prayer in congregation is obligatory for healthy men who are capable of attending the mosque, according to the consensus of the jurists. Allah the Almighty says:

“And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you.”
(An-Nisa’ 4:102)

If Allah prescribed congregational prayer during times of fear and travel, then surely it is even more obligatory during times of safety and stability.

Abdullah Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“I have seen the time when no one stayed away from prayer [in congregation] except a known hypocrite or a sick person. Even a sick man would come with the help of two others, walking between them. And he also said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught us the paths of guidance, among which is prayer in the mosque where the Adhan is called.”
(Muslim)

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever hears the call [to prayer] and does not respond by coming to the mosque, his prayer is not valid—except for those who have a valid excuse.”
(Ibn Majah)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“No prayer is heavier on the hypocrites than the Fajr and `Isha’ prayers. If they knew what reward lies in them, they would come even if crawling. I considered ordering the prayer to be commenced, then appoint a man to lead the people, then go myself with a group carrying torches to burn the houses of those who did not attend the prayer.”
(Al-Bukhari)

These hadith clearly indicate that congregational prayer is an obligation. Had it not been, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not have considered such a severe punishment, nor would he have described those who avoid it as hypocrites.

Ramadan: A Time to Strengthen Our Bond with the Mosque

Why not make Ramadan the starting point for improving our relationship with the houses of Allah?

It is truly unfortunate that many Muslims miss the congregational prayer in the mosque without valid excuses. Allah the Almighty created humans and jinn only to worship Him. Salah (prayer) is the foundation of religion, the greatest pillar of Islam, and the first act of worship a person will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“The first matter that a person will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer. If it is sound, he will succeed and be safe; but if it is deficient, he will be unfortunate and a loser.”
(At-Tirmidhi)

A Muslim must strive to offer prayer on time and in congregation with fellow Muslims at the mosque—for that is the very reason these houses were built.

Allah the Almighty says:

“The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakah, and fear none except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.”
(At-Tawbah 9:18)

The Enormous Reward of Congregational Prayer

This blessed month offers a tremendous opportunity for us to correct our shortcomings, especially regarding congregational prayer. Its reward is immense in Islamic law.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever purifies himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah to perform an obligatory act of worship, each step he takes will erase a sin and raise him one degree in status.”
(Muslim)

A Final Supplication

We ask Allah, the Exalted and Almighty, to help us fast, pray in congregation, perform righteous deeds, and avoid evil. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.