The proof derived from this hadith for the obligatory nature of the congregational prayer rests on two considerations:

1. The Prophet ﷺ described those who stayed away from it as hypocrites. A person who merely omits a recommended sunnah act is not branded a hypocrite; hence the only reason for such a description is that they were abandoning an individual obligation.

2. The Prophet ﷺ intended to punish them for their absence, and punishment is legislated only for leaving what is obligatory. What restrained him—peace and blessings be upon him—from carrying out that punishment was the presence of women and children in those houses, for whom attending the congregational prayer is not required.

Muslim records that a blind man said, “Messenger of Allah, I have no one to lead me to the mosque; may I have permission to pray at home?” The Prophet first allowed him, but when the man turned away, he called him back and asked, “Do you hear the call to prayer?” He answered, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “Then respond.” In ordering him to come to the mosque and answer the call despite the hardship involved, the Prophet ﷺ underscored the obligation of the congregational prayer.

Among the earliest Muslims this obligation was firmly acknowledged. Ibn Masʿūd (d. 32 AH) said, “In our time no one would stay away from it except a man whose hypocrisy was well known. A man would be brought, supported between two others, until he was set in the row.”

This attests to how deeply the Companions held the conviction that the congregational prayer is mandatory.