and at other times, “it is obligatory,” and at still other times, “it is prescribed,” or similar expressions. All of these are expressions that differ in wording but agree in meaning. Terms that differ in wording while sharing the same meaning are called synonyms by linguists.

We shall begin by mentioning the evidence for the ruling—that is, its binding nature. The evidence for its obligation is found in the Book of Allah, the sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ, and the practice of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.

As for the Book, Allah Most High says:

“When you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand in prayer with you.”

The lam here denotes a command, and the basic implication of a command is obligation. What further confirms that the command here denotes obligation is that Allah commanded it even in a state of fear, although people in such circumstances will generally find it difficult to assemble; they will be anxious and prefer that the greater number remain watching the enemy:

“Then, when they have prostrated, let them move behind you.”

“They have prostrated” means: when they have completed their prayer.

“And let another group, who have not yet prayed, come forward”—that is, they have not prayed with the first group—“and let them pray with you, taking their precautions and carrying their weapons.”

Thus, Allah, exalted is He, commanded congregational prayer and the division of the soldiers into two groups. This indicates that congregational prayer is an individual obligation.

The reason is that, if it were a communal obligation, the duty would have been discharged by the prayer of the first group.

As for the sunnah, its evidences are numerous, among them:

1—The hadith of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “I was about to