Originally posted 2016-08-29 11:00:18.

Congregational Prayer for a Sick Person: 

Question:

My father never missed a prayer in congregation at the mosque. But now he cannot attend the prayer at the mosque because of his sickness and old age. Can he follow the Imam’s congregational prayer from the house that is just one block from the mosque?

Answer:

Islam has laid great importance on the congregational prayer and has enjoined its followers to observe prayer collectively. The Qur’an says:

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (Al-Baqarah 2:43)

Offering prayer in congregation is greater in reward than offering it alone individually. Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than prayer performed individually.”  (Agreed Upon)

Whoever wants to offer prayer in congregation at a mosque, he must go to the mosque, as if he follows the Imam in his home this is not congregation, even if he could see the imam or the congregation.

Responding to this question, Dr. Muhammad Salah states that if one wants to attend the prayer in congregation, he should hear and see the imam or at least see the congregation.

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Source: Iqra Youtube Channel.