Not Attending Congregational Prayer (1/2)

There is no reason for anyone to miss the congregational prayer unless he has a valid excuse, be it general or specific.

Examples of general excuses are: severe rain during the night or day, a strong wind on a dark night, snow, severe cold, severe muddiness, severe heat at Dhuhur time and other such things.

This is based on what is reported from ibn Umar that he called the adhaan on a cold and windy night and announced, "Pray in your homes." Then he said,"On a cold and rainy night the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to order the Mu'adhdhin to say, “Pray in your homes.[1]"

Ibn Battaal said, "The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is permissible to remain away from the congregational prayer due to heavy rain, darkness, wind and other such things.[2]"

Examples of specific excuses are:

1. Illness: The meaning of illness here is that illness which would make it difficult for one to attend the congregational prayer. This does not hold true for slight illness, such as a slight headache or the like. This excuse also applies to one who is attending to another, even if the person is not a relative.

This is based on the verse, "He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in the religion" [Surah Hajj (22):78].

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, when he became severely ill and left off praying with the people for many days, "Command Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.[3]"

Therefore, the congregational prayer is not obligatory upon the sick, the one who has a chronic disease, the one who has his hand and foot cut off or foot only cut off, the paralyzed, and the old man who is not able to attend and the likes.

Ibraheem an-Nakha'ee said, "They did not use to allow anyone to miss the congregational prayer unless he were sick or in fear.[4]"

Ibn Hazm said, "There is no difference of opinion concerning this.[5]"

2. Fear: Fear here means that he fears for himself, his property or his honor.[6]

Allah says, "... Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear" [Surah al-Baqarah (2):286].

Ibn Abbaas reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not respond, then there is no prayer for him unless he has an excuse." They asked, "What constitutes an excuse O Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Fear or illness.[7]"

Ibn Maajah reported with a saheeh chain from ibn Abbaas that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"For whoever hears the call to prayer and does not come to it, there is no prayer, unless he has an excuse.[8]"

3. Repressing the urge to go to the toilet: This refers to restraining oneself from excreting or urinating because this prevents one from completing the khushoo' in prayer.

This is based on what Muslim reports from Aa'ishah who said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying, “ ... There is no prayer when the food has been served or when one is repressing the urge to go to the toilet.[9]”

4. When the food has been served: This is based on the previously mentioned hadeeth, "There is no prayer when the food has been served..."

Naafi' reported that ibn Umar said, "When one of you is eating food, do not hurry [but eat] until your need has been fulfilled, even if the prayer is commenced.[10]"