Answer: If that is feasible, then it is preferable, and making every effort to attend is even better whenever possible—yet it is not an obligation.

Question: May he perform the rest of the prayers at home with the members of his household—his wife, for example, or his daughters—and still obtain the reward of congregational prayer?

Answer: There is no objection to that, but he himself should lead the prayer. However, since he cannot stand while praying and he is not the imam of the neighbourhood or of the mosque—such that others would be told to pray behind him while seated—it is not appropriate for those whose condition is unlike his to pray with him. It is better for him to pray alone.

Praying at Home Because of the Wife’s Fear

Question: I live in an open area with my wife and children, and the nearest neighbour is about fifty metres away. I can hear the adhān. When I set out for the mosque, my wife becomes afraid and asks me not to leave the house. What should I do? Is the prayer performed at home valid or not? Please advise us—may Allah reward you.

Answer: There is no doubt that anyone who hears the call must go to the mosque and pray with the Muslims in congregation. The Prophet ﷺ said to the blind man who sought permission to pray in his house because of the hardship he experienced in coming to the mosque: “Do you hear the call?” He replied, “Yes.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Then respond, for I find no concession for you.” He ﷺ also said, “There is no prayer for the neighbour of the mosque.”