this, since its apparent meaning indicates that voluntary prayer may be offered on a mount without restriction, whether traveling or not. This view is related from Anas ibn Mālik, Abū Yūsuf—the companion of Abū Hanīfa—Abū Saīd al-Istakhrī of the Shāfiī school, and those who agreed with them. (1)
(7-5) Congregational Voluntary Prayer
Voluntary prayer may be offered in congregation, provided that this is not made into a regular practice. Offering it at home is preferable.
The following evidence supports this:
(a) What was discussed above concerning the legitimacy of offering the night prayer in congregation. (2)
(b) Anas ibn Mālik reported that his grandmother, Mulayka, invited the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—to a meal she had prepared for him. After eating, he said, “Stand, so that I may lead you in prayer.” Anas said: “I went to a reed mat of ours that had darkened from long use and sprinkled it with water. The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—stood, and the orphan and I formed a row behind him, while the elderly woman stood behind us. The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—then led us in two units of prayer and departed.” Reported by al-Bukhārī and Muslim. (3)
Ibn Hajar—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “Among the benefits of this hadith are … offering voluntary prayer in congregation in homes. It appears that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—wished to teach them the actions of prayer through direct observation for the woman’s benefit, since some details might have been unclear to her because she stood farther away.” (4) End quote.