Chapter on Congregational Prayer

It is obligatory upon free, able-bodied men, whether resident or travelling.

The smallest valid congregation is an imam and a single follower, even if that follower is a woman.

An obligatory congregation is not valid when led by a discerning minor.

It is recommended1 to hold the congregation in the mosque2, while for women it is preferable that they pray individually, apart from the men.

It is unlawful for anyone to lead the prayer in a mosque that has a regular appointed imam; the prayer is valid only with that imam’s permission if he objects, unless the time for the prayer has become too short.

Whoever pronounces the opening takbīr before the imam’s first salām has caught the congregation; and whoever reaches the bowing position with certainty has caught the rakʿah—he should settle there briefly and then continue following.

It is sunnah3 for the follower to join the imam in whatever posture he finds him.

If a latecomer rises to make up his missed units before the imam’s second salām and does not return, his prayer turns into a voluntary one. When the iqāmah is given for the prayer he intends to perform behind that imam, any voluntary prayer he begins does not take effect4; if the iqāmah is called while he is already in it, he should complete it swiftly.

Whoever has prayed and then finds a congregation being established is recommended5 to repeat the prayer, while his first performance remains his obligatory one.