mu5lima
24-02-08, 10:20 PM
The importance of Salaat with Jama’at (congregation)One cannot truly cover any discussion concerning the rights of Salaat without conveying due importance to performing Salaat with congregation. In numerous places we are commanded in the Quraan concerning Salaat. However an interesting point is the fact that Allah Ta,ala does not just command us with performing prayer but the word is ‘Iqaamah’ i.e. the establishment of prayer. `Iqaamah` does not refer to mere performance. Rather it has a very comprehensive meaning. It encompasses the scrupulous performance of Salaat in every aspect. Aside from exercising due care in the performance of the fardh, wajib and Mustahab actions of Salaat, `Iqaamah` also includes constancy and punctuality in Salaat. (Ma’ariful Quraan Vol.1 Pg.111)
Mufti Muhammed Shafi’ Saheb (R.A) writes: “An eminent group of the Sahaba, Ta’abieen and the Jurists are of the opinion that Salaat with jamaat is compulsory and to omit it is a sin. In fact a group among the Sahaba negate the validity of the Salaat performed individually without a valid Shari’ excuse. (Ma’ariful Quraan)
The Ahaadith are replete with warnings for those who deliberately (without a valid Shari’ excuse) forego Salaat with jamaat. In one Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “By that Being who has control over my life, I intend gathering some firewood. I would then instruct somebody to call out the Azaan and perform the Salaat while I go and set fire to the homes of those people who perform their Salaat in their houses without any proper excuse.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.89)
Another Hadith declares: “Had it not been for the women and children, I would have had someone perform the Salaat and instructed some of the youngsters to go and burn down their homes.” (Mishkaat Pg.97 from Musnad Ahmed) In yet another Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “The most difficult Salaats on the hypocrites are Esha and Fajr. However, had they known the reward of performing those Salaat with jamaat, they would have performed them even if they had to crawl to the Musjid.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.90)
In a narration of Abu Dawood, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is to reported to have said: “ He who hears the azaan but fails to go the Musjid, without a valid (Shari’) excuse, the Salaat that he has performed (at home) is not accepted.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) was asked: “What is a valid excuse?” He replied: “Illness or fear.” (Mishkaat Pg.97)
The illness and fear mentioned above refers to such fear and illness that actively prevents one from joining the congregation for Salaat.
Once a blind man came to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and said: “O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), I have no guide. Can I perform my Salaat at home.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) permitted him to do so. When the blind man turned to leave, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) called him back and asked: “Can you hear the azaan (at home)?” He replied in the affirmative. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) then said: “In that case you must attend the jamaat (regardless of your situation).” (Sahih Muslim Vol.1 Pg.232)
The sheer importance of jamaat is clearly highlighted in this Hadith. How can the lacksadaisical attitude which we entertain in this regard be tolerated!?
Ibn Masood (Radhiallaahu Anhu) says; “The one who wishes to meet Allah Ta'ala as a Muslim on the day of judgement, should be punctual in the performance of his Salaat on hearing the azaan. Allah Ta'ala has prescribed the clear ways of guidance for his Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). These Salaat too are among those ways of guidance. If you too will adopt the way of those who perform their Salaat at their homes, you will be abandoning the way of Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), hence you would be led astray. The one who performs wudhu and leaves for the Musjid, for every step he takes he gets one reward, one of his sins are forgiven and his stages are elevated in Jannah. In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) only an open hypocrite would not join the jamaat. Even the sick person would be carried by two people and brought to the Musjid to perform his Salaat with jamaat. (Ibid)
Let us read these authentic Ahaadith repeatedly and let us then reflect upon the condition of the Ummah. These Ahaadith should imbibe within us a strong will to make an all-out effort towards self-rectification as well as towards attempting to improve the condition of the Ummah, the first and immediate focus of our efforts being our families.
While the warnings are severe for neglecting Salaat with jamaat, likewise the rewards for performing Salaat with congregation are also tremendous.
The Salaat performed with jamaat is twenty seven times more superior than the Salaat performed individually. (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.89) Similarly, the one who performs his Esha Salaat with jamaat gets the reward for having spent half the night in ibaadat(worship). If he then performs his Fajr Salaat with jamaat, he gets the reward for spending the entire night in ibaadat. (Sahih Muslim Vol.1 Pg.232) A little effort will not only save one from the excruciating punishment of the hereafter but will also earn one great reward.
by Shaykhul Hadith Mawlana Fadhlur Rahmaan Azmi
Mufti Muhammed Shafi’ Saheb (R.A) writes: “An eminent group of the Sahaba, Ta’abieen and the Jurists are of the opinion that Salaat with jamaat is compulsory and to omit it is a sin. In fact a group among the Sahaba negate the validity of the Salaat performed individually without a valid Shari’ excuse. (Ma’ariful Quraan)
The Ahaadith are replete with warnings for those who deliberately (without a valid Shari’ excuse) forego Salaat with jamaat. In one Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “By that Being who has control over my life, I intend gathering some firewood. I would then instruct somebody to call out the Azaan and perform the Salaat while I go and set fire to the homes of those people who perform their Salaat in their houses without any proper excuse.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.89)
Another Hadith declares: “Had it not been for the women and children, I would have had someone perform the Salaat and instructed some of the youngsters to go and burn down their homes.” (Mishkaat Pg.97 from Musnad Ahmed) In yet another Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “The most difficult Salaats on the hypocrites are Esha and Fajr. However, had they known the reward of performing those Salaat with jamaat, they would have performed them even if they had to crawl to the Musjid.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.90)
In a narration of Abu Dawood, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is to reported to have said: “ He who hears the azaan but fails to go the Musjid, without a valid (Shari’) excuse, the Salaat that he has performed (at home) is not accepted.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) was asked: “What is a valid excuse?” He replied: “Illness or fear.” (Mishkaat Pg.97)
The illness and fear mentioned above refers to such fear and illness that actively prevents one from joining the congregation for Salaat.
Once a blind man came to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and said: “O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), I have no guide. Can I perform my Salaat at home.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) permitted him to do so. When the blind man turned to leave, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) called him back and asked: “Can you hear the azaan (at home)?” He replied in the affirmative. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) then said: “In that case you must attend the jamaat (regardless of your situation).” (Sahih Muslim Vol.1 Pg.232)
The sheer importance of jamaat is clearly highlighted in this Hadith. How can the lacksadaisical attitude which we entertain in this regard be tolerated!?
Ibn Masood (Radhiallaahu Anhu) says; “The one who wishes to meet Allah Ta'ala as a Muslim on the day of judgement, should be punctual in the performance of his Salaat on hearing the azaan. Allah Ta'ala has prescribed the clear ways of guidance for his Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). These Salaat too are among those ways of guidance. If you too will adopt the way of those who perform their Salaat at their homes, you will be abandoning the way of Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), hence you would be led astray. The one who performs wudhu and leaves for the Musjid, for every step he takes he gets one reward, one of his sins are forgiven and his stages are elevated in Jannah. In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) only an open hypocrite would not join the jamaat. Even the sick person would be carried by two people and brought to the Musjid to perform his Salaat with jamaat. (Ibid)
Let us read these authentic Ahaadith repeatedly and let us then reflect upon the condition of the Ummah. These Ahaadith should imbibe within us a strong will to make an all-out effort towards self-rectification as well as towards attempting to improve the condition of the Ummah, the first and immediate focus of our efforts being our families.
While the warnings are severe for neglecting Salaat with jamaat, likewise the rewards for performing Salaat with congregation are also tremendous.
The Salaat performed with jamaat is twenty seven times more superior than the Salaat performed individually. (Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Pg.89) Similarly, the one who performs his Esha Salaat with jamaat gets the reward for having spent half the night in ibaadat(worship). If he then performs his Fajr Salaat with jamaat, he gets the reward for spending the entire night in ibaadat. (Sahih Muslim Vol.1 Pg.232) A little effort will not only save one from the excruciating punishment of the hereafter but will also earn one great reward.
by Shaykhul Hadith Mawlana Fadhlur Rahmaan Azmi