Allaah and His Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] has commanded us [the Muslims], to always observe our prayers in congregation. Apart from it being a commandment from Allaah, the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] has informed us of the many benefits that are inherent in doing that. Let us see some of those benefits;
Tremendous Reward!
The Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] said, "The prayer offered in congregation is twenty five times more superior (in reward) to the prayer offered alone in ones house or in a business center, because if one performs ablution and does it perfectly, and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of praying, then for each step which he takes towards the mosque, Allaah upgrades him a degree in reward and (forgives) crosses out one sin till he enters the mosque. When he enters the mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on asking for Allaahs forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: O Allaah! Be Merciful to him, O Allaah! Forgive him, as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind. [Bukhari]
If Only You Knew! Allaah's Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] said: "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in congregational prayers) and found no other way to get that except by drawing lots they would draw lots. And if they knew the reward of the Zuhr prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) they would race for it (go early). And if they knew the reward of Isha and Fajr (morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl." [Bukhari]
Under The Shade Of Allaah!
On the Day of Judgement when things will be very difficult for everybody, Allaah will give a special honour for the person who prays in congregation. Narrated Abu Huraira, the prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] said, "Allaah will give shade to seven on the Day when there will be no shade but His. ... A man whose heart is attached to the mosques (i.e. to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation) [Muslim]
Equal To Tahaliud Or The Whole Night
Narrated Uthman ibn Affan: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "He who observed the Isha prayer in congregation, it was as if he prayed up to the midnight, and he who prayed the morning prayer in congregation, it was as if he prayed the whole night." [Muslim]
A Protection From Allaah
Narrated Jundub ibn Abdullah Allaahs Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "He who prayed the morning prayer (in congregation) he is in fact under the protection of Allaah. And it can never happen that Allaah should demand anything from you in connection with the protection (that He guarantees) and one should not get it. He would then throw him in the fire of Hell. [Muslim]
Narrated Ubayy ibn Kab: There was a man, and I do not know of any other man, whose house was farther than his from the mosque and he never missed the prayer (in congregation). It was said to him or I said to him: If you were to buy a donkey you could ride upon it in the dark nights and in the burning sand. He said: I do not like my house to be situated by the side of the mosque, for I (eagerly) desire that my steps towards ! the mosque, and back from it, should be recorded when I return to my family. Upon this the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Allaah has gathered all (rewards) for you. [Muslim]
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited