PRAYER IN CONGREGATION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Prayer in Congregation and Its Significance Both the Qur’ān and Hadīth lay special emphasis on observing prayers in congregation. The Qur’ān says:

And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity, and bow down your heads with those who bow down in worship. (Q 2:43)

Even in battlefield, there is instruction about observing the prayer collectively. When it is time for prayer during actual fighting, a group of the Muslim soldiers are to go and offer the prayer in congregation under the leadership of an Imam while some others stand on guard. Then the group rotates.

When ye pass (congregational) prayer, celebrate God’s praises, standing, and sitting down or lying down on your sides, but when ye are free from danger, set up regular; regular prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times. (Q 4:103)

THE STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPHET 'S PRAYER.

The step-by-step description of the complete prayer of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as an imam and with his companions as the congregation following Him.

The Prophet (S.A.W) after the call to stand for salat (Iqaamat), would direct the congregation to straighten the rows, and stand shoulder to shoulder, he would recite the takbiratul-ihraam. The congregation then follows the suit with thier own takbiratul-ihraam. The rest goes as follows:

1. The Prophet (SAW ) then hold his left wrist with his right hand and place them over his chest.

2. The Prophet (SAW ) then recite the opening prayer "Dua Istiftiha" - this is in contrast to the common practice of Maliki School of Thought and negates the Mukhtasar al-Khaleel.

THE CHAPTERS OF THE HOLY QUR'AN MOSTLY RECITED BY THE HOLY PROPHET ( S.A.W ) IN HIS FIVE DAILY PRAYERS

1. For Noon (Salaat Zuhur) and Afternoon  (Asr) Prayers:
a. Surat at-Taariq; Chapter 86
b. Surat al-Lail; Chapter 92
c. Surat al-A'ala; Chapter 87
d. Surat al-Ghaashiat; Chapter 88

2. For Morning  (Subhi) Prayer:
a. Surat / Chapters longer than that of Zuhur

3. For Night (Isha'i) Prayer:
a. Surat ash-Shams; Chapter 91

4. For weekly (Juma'a) Prayer:
a. Surat as-Sajda; Chapter 32

5. Journey  (Safar) Prayer:
a. Surat at-Tin; Chapter 95