each night, in congregation, the funeral prayer (1) for every Muslim who has died anywhere on earth, and other collective prayers of the same sort that have no basis in the Sacred Law.

You must understand that even when unrestricted voluntary worship is recommended at a particular time, and even when performing such worship in congregation is permissible, this does not thereby authorize establishing a fixed, regularly scheduled gathering that the Law has not prescribed. (2) Distinguish, therefore, between the two matters. Gathering for a supererogatory prayer (3)—or to listen to the Qur’an, or to engage in the remembrance of God, and the like—when done only from time to time, is praiseworthy.

It is soundly reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) “sometimes performed voluntary prayers in congregation,” (4) and that he “once came out to his Companions while one of them was reciting and the others were listening, so he sat down with them and listened.” (5)(6) The Companions of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), whenever they gathered, would appoint one of them to recite while the rest listened.

Numerous reports are also well-known concerning people who sit to study and recite the Book of God, and concerning those who remember God, such as his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

“No people gather in one of the houses of God, reciting the Book of God and studying it among themselves, except that mercy envelops them, tranquillity descends upon them, (1) the angels surround them, and God mentions them among those who are with Him.” (2)

There is likewise the ḥadīth about the angels who wander in search of gatherings of remembrance: when they find a group remembering God they call out, “Come to what you seek!” (3)(4)

As for instituting a regular gathering that recurs weekly, monthly, or annually—other than the gatherings laid down by the Sacred Law—then