Reminder: The Importance of Praying in Congregation (Jama’ah) for Men

[Kamaaludeen Al Reewin]

Brothers, it’s crucial for us to understand the tremendous importance of performing our Salah in congregation (Jama'ah), as it holds immense reward and significance in Islam. Allah has commanded the believers to establish the prayer in its proper manner, and for men, praying in congregation holds a special place in the faith. Let us reflect upon the evidences from the Qur'an, Hadith, and statements of scholars regarding this matter.

1. The Obligation and Virtue of Praying in Congregation:​

• Allah’s Command in the Qur'an:
  • Allah says in Surah An-Nisa (4:102):
    "And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let one party of them stand in prayer with you, and let them take their arms with them. And when they have prostrated, let them be behind you, and let another party who have not yet prayed come and pray with you."
  • This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer in congregation, particularly when the Muslims are engaged in the obligatory prayers even in times of battle. The general principle derived from this is that congregational prayer is the standard practice for the believers.
• Hadiths Encouraging Congregational Prayer:
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
    “The best prayer of a man is the one that he prays in his house, except for the obligatory prayer.” (Sahih Muslim)
    This shows that while it is excellent to pray at home, the obligatory prayers must be prayed in congregation in the masjid whenever possible.
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
    "Whoever hears the call to prayer (adhan) and does not respond to it, there is no prayer for him except for the one who has an excuse." (Sahih Muslim)
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) further emphasized this in a powerful narration:
    “If people knew what was in the call to prayer (adhan) and the rows of prayer, they would draw lots to take part in it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

2. The Significance of Congregational Prayer in Islam:​

• Increased Reward for Congregational Prayer:
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) stated:
    “Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times more virtuous than prayer alone.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
    This immense reward is a reminder of how important it is for men to join the jama'ah, as the reward is multiplied and Allah’s mercy is magnified in congregation.
• Displeasure of Abandoning Congregational Prayer:
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
    "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, I intended to order that the prayer be established, then I intended to command a man to lead the people in prayer, then I would go to some people who are absent from the congregation, and burn their houses upon them." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
  • This narration indicates the severe warning for those who neglect praying in congregation, especially when they are capable of attending. The Prophet (ﷺ) displayed such seriousness toward those who abandoned this obligation.

3. Statements of the Scholars:​

• Ibn Qudamah (رحمه الله):
  • He stated in Al-Mughni:
    "It is obligatory upon men to pray in congregation, and it is not permissible to leave the prayer in congregation except for a valid excuse such as illness, fear, or the like."
    This emphasizes that praying in congregation is not just recommended, but for men, it is a necessary and essential part of their worship.
• Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله):
  • He stated:
    "It is an established Sunnah that men pray in congregation in the masjid. It is a means of unity and brotherhood and a way to strengthen the bonds of the community."
    Ibn Taymiyyah highlighted not only the individual benefits but also the collective strength that arises from praying together.
• Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله):
  • He mentioned in his explanation of Sahih Muslim:
    "The congregational prayer is an obligation upon the men and a means of attaining the reward of Allah. It has a significant role in purifying the hearts and reinforcing the brotherhood amongst the Muslims."

4. The Spiritual and Social Benefits:​

• Purification of the Heart:
  • Praying in congregation not only increases reward but also purifies the heart and strengthens one’s connection to Allah. It provides an opportunity for brothers to come together, reminding each other of the importance of worship and seeking Allah’s mercy.
• Strengthening Brotherhood:
  • Congregational prayer unites the Muslim community. It removes differences and fosters unity among the believers. When men gather in the masjid, they stand shoulder to shoulder, reinforcing the concept of unity in the ummah.

Brothers, praying in congregation is a vital aspect of our faith. It brings immense reward, increases unity among the believers, and strengthens our connection to Allah. Let us not neglect this important act of worship, as it is a means of attaining closeness to Allah, purification of our hearts, and earning His pleasure. Let us strive to be among those who heed the call to prayer and perform their Salah in the jama'ah, fulfilling this important duty with sincerity and commitment.​

May Allah make us firm in our prayers and grant us success in both this life and the hereafter. Ameen.

 

[Kun_Ciil]

Imagine the blind man isn't excused from prayer in congregation? What excuse do we have?

Narrated [Abu Hurairah (RA)]:
A blind man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have no guide to take me to the mosque." He [the Prophet (ﷺ)] therefore permitted him (to pray at his house), then when the man turned away the Prophet (ﷺ) called him and asked, "Can you hear the Adhan (call) for prayer?" He answered, "Yes". He [the Prophet (ﷺ)] said, "Then respond to it." [Reported by Muslim].


Abdullah Bin Mas'ood said: I have seen a time, when not one of us would stay behind from prayer in congregation except for a hypocrite whose hypocrisy is known. To the point that one that could not come on his own would be carried between two men until he is stood in the row.