Dear brothers and sisters.assalamualaikum Let me highlight the salient points to be noted when one of us intent to go to mosque for salaath. Performing the obligatory prayers in congregation is an absolutely preferred Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws) for the believing males of the Ummah. Ibn 'Umar reports that the Prophet (saws) said: "Prayer in congregation is superior to a prayer performed individually by twenty-seven degrees." Abu Hurairah also reports that the Prophet (saws) said: "By Him in whose Hand is my soul! I have considered ordering a fire to be kindled and then ask someone to lead the people in salah, and then go to the men [who did not attend the prayer in congregation] and burn their houses over them!" Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet (saws) said: "When you hear the ‘iqamah’, proceed to the prayer with calm and dignity and do not rush. Pray what you can (with congregation) and complete what you miss." It is preferred for one to walk to the mosque with calm and dignity and not in a hurry or rush. This is because the person is considered to be in prayer when he is going to the salah (and also while he is waiting for it) It is an extremely preferred Sunnah and the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (saws) that when a believer walks towards a masjid to offer his prayers, even if the prayer has started, the believers should neither rush or hurry, but walk in a calm and dignified manner towards their place in ‘salaah’, then pray whatever they can with the congregation and complete what they have missed. It is expected that they will receive their full and due reward from their Lord. The Messenger of Allah (saws) guided the believers to come as early as possible for their ‘salaah’ in congregation, and strive their utmost to take their positions in the first rows….for if one only knew the excellence and rewards and merits of praying the first row behind the imam, the believers would draw lots to occupy those blessed spaces! If one is delayed for any reason in attending their prayers, the Prophet (saws) guided that one approach the masajids in a calm and dignified manner and neither run nor rush to catch their prayers. Every mosque is the ‘house of Allah’ and in the eyes of Allah, all his slaves are equal. Mosques are built for the worship and remembrance of Allah, and there should be absolutely no distinction between rich, poor, color, status, nationality, etc. when one stands in prayer or ‘salaat’ in Islam. for congregational prayers was that the men formed the rows immediately behind the imam leading the prayer; then the rows of children (below the age of puberty) were formed after the rows of men; and then the rows of women after the children. Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 4 Surah Nisa verse 79-80: We have sent you (O Mohamed) as a Messenger to mankind, and Allah’s witness suffices for this. Whoever obeys the Messenger, in fact obeys Allah, and whoever turns away from him, he will be accountable for his deeds. Anyhow, we have not sent you (O Mohamed) to be a guardian over them. Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 3 Surah Ale Imran verse 31-32: O Prophet, tell the people, “If you sincerely love Allah, follow me. Then Allah will love you and forgive you your sins, for He is All Forgiving, All Merciful.” Also say to them, “Obey Allah and His Messenger.” And if in spite of this, they do not accept your invitation, warn them that Allah does not love those, who refuse to obey Him and His Messenger.
So my dear mumeens insha allah let us follw guidance and commands of Allah and His Messenger (saws),and seek His help and ask for His forgiveness and pray salaath on time.
jazak allah
