Hadiths on Congregational Prayer

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Congregational prayer holds a significant place in Islam. It brings unity, strengthens the bond among Muslims, and enhances the spiritual rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of attending prayers in congregation, mentioning various benefits and rewards. In this article, we will explore different hadiths related to congregational prayer, focusing on the importance, rewards, and duties associated with it. We will cover the hadiths in Arabic, English, and Urdu for better understanding.

Hadiths on Congregational Prayer

Hadith on the Reward of Congregational Prayer

Hadith in Arabic

صَلَاةُ الْجَمَاعَةِ تَفْضُلُ صَلَاةَ الْفَذِّ بِسَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً

Hadith in English

“Prayer in congregation is 27 times more rewarding than praying alone.”

Hadith in Urdu

“جماعت کے ساتھ نماز پڑھنا اکیلے نماز پڑھنے سے 27 گنا زیادہ بہتر ہے۔”

Important Points from the Hadith

This hadith emphasizes the immense reward that a Muslim can attain by praying in congregation. By performing Salah with others, the spiritual benefits multiply, bringing greater closeness to Allah. Congregational prayer promotes unity, as it gathers people in a single place to worship the Almighty together. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that the reward for praying in congregation far outweighs praying individually.

Reference of Hadith

This hadith is found in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith Nos. 645 and 646) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 650). Both books are considered among the most authentic collections of hadith.

Hadith on the Blessings of Congregational Prayer

Hadith in Arabic

مَنْ تَوَضَّأَ فِي بَيْتِهِ، ثُمَّ خَرَجَ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ، لَا يُخْرِجُهُ إِلَّا الصَّلَاةُ، لَمْ يَخْطُ خُطْوَةً إِلَّا رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ بِهَا دَرَجَةً، وَحَطَّ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةً

Hadith in English

“When a person performs ablution at home and leaves to attend prayer for no reason other than the prayer, every step he takes, Allah elevates his status and forgives a sin.”

Hadith in Urdu

“جب کوئی شخص اپنے گھر میں وضو کرتا ہے اور نماز کے لئے نکلتا ہے، ہر قدم پر اللہ اس کا درجہ بلند کرتا ہے اور اس کا ایک گناہ معاف کر دیتا ہے۔”

Important Points from the Hadith

This hadith highlights the additional blessings that come with attending congregational prayer. Not only does the person gain spiritual rewards, but they also experience forgiveness for their sins with every step they take toward the mosque. It emphasizes the mercy and kindness of Allah towards those who make the effort to pray in the congregation.

Reference of Hadith

This hadith is recorded in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith No. 647).

Hadith on the Obligation of Congregational Prayer

Hadith in Arabic

لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ آمُرَ رَجُلًا يُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ، ثُمَّ أَنْطَلِقَ إِلَى رِجَالٍ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الصَّلَاةَ فَأُحَرِّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ بُيُوتَهُمْ بِالنَّارِ

Hadith in English

“I thought of ordering the prayer to be held and assigning someone to lead it, then going with some men to burn the houses of those who do not attend the congregational prayer.”

Hadith in Urdu

“میں نے سوچا کہ نماز قائم کرنے کا حکم دوں اور کسی کو امام مقرر کر دوں، پھر ان لوگوں کے گھروں کو آگ لگا دوں جو جماعت میں شامل نہیں ہوتے۔”

Important Points from the Hadith

This hadith conveys the seriousness of attending congregational prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) expressed strong disapproval for those who neglect it, emphasizing that congregational prayer is not merely recommended but a duty. The term ‘hypocrites’ in this context refers to those who avoid attending congregational prayer, highlighting the spiritual danger of neglecting this important act of worship.

Reference of Hadith

This hadith is found in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith No. 644) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 651).

Hadith on the Call to Prayer (Adhan)

Hadith in Arabic

إِذَا سَمِعْتَ النِّدَاءَ فَأَجِبْ، فَإِنِّي لَا أَجِدُ لَكَ رُخْصَةً

Hadith in English

“If you hear the call to prayer, then respond, for I do not find any excuse for you.”

Hadith in Urdu

“اگر تم اذان سنو تو جواب دو، میں تمہارے لیے کوئی عذر نہیں پاتا۔”

Important Points from the Hadith

This hadith underlines the importance of responding to the call for congregational prayer. It shows that hearing the Adhan obligates one to attend the prayer, unless there is a valid excuse. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not allow even a blind man to pray at home when he could hear the Adhan, signifying that attending congregational prayer is a serious obligation.

Reference of Hadith

This hadith is narrated in Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 653).

Hadith on Women and Congregational Prayer

Hadith in Arabic

صَلَاةُ الْمَرْأَةِ فِي بَيْتِهَا خَيْرٌ لَهَا مِنْ صَلَاتِهَا فِي مَسْجِدِهَا

Hadith in English

“The prayer of a woman in her home is better for her than her prayer in the mosque.”

Hadith in Urdu

“عورت کی اپنے گھر میں نماز اس کے لیے مسجد میں نماز پڑھنے سے بہتر ہے۔”

Important Points from the Hadith

This hadith emphasizes that while men are obligated to attend congregational prayer, women are not. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that a woman’s prayer at home holds more reward than praying at the mosque. However, it is not prohibited for women to attend congregational prayers at the mosque if they wish to, as long as they are appropriately dressed and do so with dignity.

Reference of Hadith

This hadith is found in Abu Dawud (Hadith No. 567) and Ahmad (Hadith No. 2/76).

Conclusion

The hadiths on congregational prayer stress its immense importance and the rewards associated with it. Praying in congregation strengthens community ties, encourages regularity in worship, and brings higher spiritual benefits than praying alone. Men are particularly encouraged and obligated to attend congregational prayers, while women have the choice of praying at home or in the mosque. These hadiths not only highlight the rewards of praying together but also emphasize the unity and solidarity that comes with gathering as a Muslim community to worship Allah.