He who likes to meet Allah tomorrow as Muslim, he should persevere in observing these prayers, when a call is announced for them, for Allah has laid down for your Prophet the paths of right guidance, and these (prayers) are among the paths of right guidance. If you were to pray in your houses as this man why stays away (from the mosque) prays in his house, you would abandon the practice of your Prophet, and if you were to abandon the practice of your Prophet, you would go astray. No man purifies himself, doing it well, then makes for one of those mosques without Allah recording a blessing for him for every step he takes raising him a degree for it, and effacing a sin from him for it. I have seen the time when no one stayed away from it, except a hypocrite, who was well known for his hypocrisy, whereas a man would be brought swaying (due to weakness) between two men till he was set up in a row.
Narrated by Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) reported:
Context
In this hadith, Abdullah b. Mas'ud narrates a teaching from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about the importance of performing prayers in congregation at the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that those who wish to meet Allah as Muslims should maintain their prayers where they are called, as this practice is a path of guidance. He warns against neglecting this practice, suggesting that doing so could lead one astray, and highlights the spiritual rewards associated with attending the mosque for prayer.
Modern Application
In today's busy world, maintaining regular attendance at mosque prayers can foster a sense of community and spiritual growth. Many find that participating in congregational prayers not only strengthens their faith but also provides a supportive environment to connect with others who share similar beliefs.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it emphasizes the significance of performing prayers in congregation as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.
Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.
The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakah and do not fear except Allah, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided.
So from wherever you go out [for prayer, O Muhammad] turn your face toward al- Masjid al-Haram, and indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
This hadith is #1383 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) reported:.