Congregational prayer
Congregational prayer or praying in a congregation is considered to have more social and spiritual benefits than praying by oneself. When praying in congregation, people stand in straight parallel rows behind the chosen imam, facing the Kaaba. The imam, who leads the congregation in prayer, is usually chosen to be a scholar or one with the best knowledge of the Qur'an, especially one who has completely memorized it. In the first row behind the imam, if available, will be another Hafiz who will correct the imam if he makes a mistake during the prayer. The prayer is performed naturally with the congregation following the actions and movements of the imam while performing the prayer.
Importance of Congregational Prayer in Islam
According to Quran-
"And establish prayer, give zakat and bow down with those who bow down." (Sura Bakarah: 43)
"O, Mary! Be obedient to your Lord, prostrate in prayer, and bow with those who bow." (Sura Al-Imran: 43)
"The places of worship are only for Allah, so call none but Him." ( Sura Jinn: 18)
"When you are with the believers and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you". (Sura An-Nisa:102)
"Woe to those who call the truth a lie! When it is said to them: Bow down (before Allah), they do not bow. Woe to those who call the truth a lie! Then in what word will they believe after it (the Qur'an)?" (Sura Al-Mursalat: 47-50)
Benefits of Congregational prayer
Prayer is obligatory/Fard worship. Prayer is obligatory for every free, adult, sound-minded man and woman. However, the importance of concentration and devotion in performing this prayer is very high. That is why the Prophet himself has announced more or less the reward of the same prayer. It is mentioned in the hadith-
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Prophet (saw) said, the reward for a man to pray in congregation is twenty-five times greater than in his house and in the market. This is because when a person goes to the mosque with the intention of performing ablution well and with no other intention in mind except for prayer, then with each step until entering the mosque, his status increases, and one of his sins is forgiven. As long as he enters the mosque and sits waiting for the prayer, he will receive the same reward as the prayer.
You may know-Charity | Importance of charity in Islam
It can be understood from this hadith that the reward of praying in a mosque is not only greater than that of praying at home. Mercy and blessings continue to be sent down from Allah's side for the servant. And the angels began to seek forgiveness for that prayer. It is a great achievement and honor for a worshiper.
Disadvantages of not praying in congregation
Prayers should be performed in the congregation. Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never left the Jamaat in his lifetime. But because of not praying in congregation, people are deprived of welfare, wisdom, and following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Here two important hadiths of the Prophet (saw) on the evil of leaving the Jamaat are highlighted-
a. On the authority of Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (RA), the Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, 'O Muslims! Allah has prescribed for you the way of Huda or Hidayat in the Sunan. And the five times prayer performed in the mosque with the congregation according to Sunan Huda. If you start praying in your homes, just as such a person leaves the congregation and prays at home, then you have abandoned the Sunnah of your Prophet. If you leave the Sunnah of the Prophet, then you will deviate from the path of guidance. (Muslim, Mishkat)
b. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) said, Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever does not come to pray in congregation after hearing the Adhan and has no reason for not coming, then his prayer will not be accepted if he prays alone." A companion asked, what does Ozor mean? Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, fear or illness. (Abu Dawud)
0 Comments