As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum,
Bismillāh,
I was reading the beginning of “The Chapter of Congregational Prayer” in Shawkānī’s “al-Sayl al-Jarrār,” and I came across a thought-provoking paragraph that encourages attending congregational prayer. I thought I might share it with the noble reader.
Al-Shawkānī [d. 1250 AH] (1), may Allāh have mercy on him, said:
The one who is truly deprived is the one who does not pray in congregation. This is because the reward of prayer in congregation is worth twenty-seven prayers (2). No one leaves off the congregational prayer for prayer [alone], which is only worth a fraction of the reward, except for someone who will be regretful in the future.
If a person were pleased with settling for lesser amounts in his worldly dealings and transactions, he would certainly deserve to be prevented from managing his own wealth (al-ḥajr [3]). He would be prevented because he has reached the upmost point of foolishness. And success is in the hand of Allāh, far removed from imperfection is He. (4)
Translation and Footnotes by:
Abū Ādam Jamīl Finch
Umm al-Qurā University, College of Sharī’ah
Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
29th of Ṣafar, 1433/January 23, 2012
(1) Muḥammad b. ‘Alī al-Shawkānī was a famous Yemani independent jurist (mujtahid). Al-Shawkani was known to have been very diligent in following proofs and evidences. One of his most famous works is Nayl al-Awṭār.
(2) The Messenger of Allah, may Allāh exalt his mention and grant him security, said: “Prayer in congregation is twenty seven-degrees better than prayer alone.” See Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī #645. [Dār Alfā]
[3] This is what is known in the books of fiqh as “The Chapter of Ḥajr.” And ḥajr is when a Muslim is prevented from managing his own wealth. One of the reasons a Muslim may be prevented from managing his own wealth is because of his foolishness. Return to the books of fiqh for further detail.
(4) Muḥammad b. ‘Alī al-Shawkānī, al-Sayl al-Jarrār, 1/521-522 [Dār ibn Kathīr]
Jazak Allaahu khair…really a thought provoking statement.
May Allah make us sincere.
Your brother,
Abu Adam