Prayer at Home for Someone with a Legal Excuse

Question: I was ill, and my condition worsened until I was admitted to a hospital. The doctors decided to amputate both of my legs above the knee, and the amputation was carried out. I am now in good health, but I always pray only at home; even the Friday prayer I do not perform in the mosque but rather in the house. Am I sinning by doing so, or am I excused according to the Sacred Law?

Answer: It is well known that attending the congregational prayers and the Friday prayer is obligatory for a Muslim who is able and who has no legitimate excuse that prevents him from being present. As for the one who does have a valid excuse, Allah—exalted is He—has granted him a concession to pray in his home.

The questioner mentions that both of his legs have been amputated and that he is now unable to walk. Such a person is legally excused; he may pray in his house and is pardoned for missing the congregational and Friday prayers. If, however, it is possible for him to be carried and to attend some of the prayers in the mosque without undue hardship, that is praiseworthy and will bring him additional reward and goodness. But if he is unable to attend and has no means by which he can be transported to the mosque, then he is excused, and his excuse is evident in this matter.

Provided he observes the prayers in their proper times, we hope that he will receive reward and acceptance. If he has someone to pray with him at home in congregation—for example, another person who also has a valid excuse, and they gather and pray together—this fulfils the purpose of congregational prayer. Anyone who is not excused, however, is obliged to go to the mosque and pray there.

Question: Suppose someone is able to take him to the mosque by some means of transport, such as a car. In that case, would he be required to attend the mosque?