All devotees feel they are equal...

All devotees feel they are equal, humble, and exalted owing to their standing in the same position, reciting similar words, performing expressive, symmetrical actions, and turning toward one Lord. Their position inspires them with the feeling of the value of humanity and the equality of all human beings in front of Allah. Meeting each other, and cooperating to establish benevolent projects, like helping the needy and visiting the sick, are some fruits of the daily congregational prayers.

Sermons are given in the prayer gathering so the community’s religious education gradually increases; its social conscience awakens; its political and ideological awareness blossoms and the way of goodness and righteousness is clearly identified. Consequently, Islam exhorts Muslims to attend al-Jama’a prayers, particularly al-Jumu’a prayer.

Consequent to the above-mentioned realities, Islam made it clear that al­Juma’a prayers should be attended by men and women and even prisoners, who are to be temporarily released on Fridays and the two Eids (festivals), to attend the prayers and then return to detention. It is reported from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s) that he said: “Surely the Imam (leader of the prayer) should release the prisoners on Fridays and the Eids and send with them someone who teaches them their religion.

When, then, they have offered their prayers on Friday and the Eids, he returns them to the prison”. (6) It is narrated that Imam Ali bin Musa al-Ridha (a.s) said: “The sermon on Friday prayer was ordained because Friday is a day whereon Muslims congregate.

So Allah made it a means for the imam to advise them, encourage them to obedience, frighten them into abstaining from sin, show them the true interests of their religion and life and convey to them the news reaching him from far-flung areas, which tells of what is harmful and beneficial.