Jama`a prayer is a Sunna mu'akkada

The Correction To Some Misleading Answers of Albani On Various Current Topics

CONCERNING PRAYER IN JAMAA'AH:

Albani says: Prayer in Jamaa'ah is acceptable only if he prays it with the Muslim Jamaa'ah in the mosque - since Allaah ta'aalaa did not only order Prayer but also added to it - And bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). [2:43] - and he is not allowed to suffice with praying in his home and leave the Jamaa'ah of the Muslims. And the Messenger (S) ordered every fit and well Muslim to pray in the Mosque and desired to burn those who remained in their houses - as occurs in 'Saheeh al-Bukhaaree' and 'Saheeh Muslim' from Aboo Hurairah (R). He (S) did not burn the houses because of the presence of women and children on whom Prayer in the mosque is not obligatory.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani replies: The above is by and large incorrect, as the Prophet did not desire to buthe Muslims who remained in their houses, but those known to be hypocrites. This is established by those who have explained this hadith in detail and in the light of all its narrations and other similar narrations, such as Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari and Shawkani in Nayl al-awtar. As for the hadith of not burning the houses because of women and children it is da`if as stated by Shawkani. Finally, the majority of the scholars regard prayer in Jama`a a strong Sunna, not an obligation. Shawkani said: "It [Jama`a prayer] is neither a fard `ayn nor a Fard kifaya nor a condition for the validity of one's salat." Nayl al-awtar 3:129.