Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked about questions that frequently arise and involve trials, difficulty, and hardship when following the opinion of a particular imam. Among them was the question of congregational prayer: Is it obligatory or recommended? If we say it is obligatory, is prayer valid without it when one is able to attend?

He replied:

As for congregational prayer, some have said that it is recommended, others that it is a collective obligation, and others that it is an individual obligation. This last view is what the Quran and Sunnah indicate. Allah commanded it in circumstances of fear, so in circumstances of safety it is all the more binding and emphatic. Allah Most High also said:

“And bow with those who bow.”

This is a command to pray in congregation. It is also established in the Sahīh:

“Ibn Umm Maktūm asked the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—to permit him to pray at home. He asked, ‘Do you hear the call to prayer?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘Then respond to it.’ In another narration: ‘I find no concession for you.’”

Ibn Umm Maktūm was a righteous man, and concerning him Allah Most High revealed His words: