But if the number of the persons praying exceeds 10...

But if the number of the persons praying exceeds 10, nobody knows its reward except God.[^7] It is mentioned in another hadith that God and the angels love one who loves congregational prayer.[^8] During the time of the Prophet (S) whenever the number of participants in congregational prayer was less, he would search for and inquire about the condition of individuals, saying: “Participation in the dawn { subh } and night { ‘isha } prayers is the most difficult of all things for hypocrites.”[^9] The Holy Qur’an has also mentioned laziness and languidness at the time of prayer as one of the descriptions of the hypocrites.[^10] Waking up early and attending congregational morning prayer while coming from a reasonable distance during the cold or warm season is a sign of sincerity in faith and love of God.

Attendance in congregational prayer is not confined to only one place. Wherever the person may be, it is better for him to find the congregational prayer, participate therein and encourage others to do the same.

Concerning the importance of congregation { jama‘ah }, the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “A single prayer in congregation is better than forty years of prayer at home.” He was asked: “Is it one day of prayer?” He said: “No, it is a single prayer.”[^11] And the Prophet (S) also said: “The rows of congregational prayer are like rows of angels on the fourth level of heaven.” ^12 The first congregational prayer to be held was under the leadership { imamah } of the Messenger of Allah (S) and with the participation of Hadhrat ‘Ali ( ‘a ) and Ja‘far at-Tayyar (brother of Hadhrat ‘Ali).

When Abu Talib saw his son ‘Ali ( ‘a ) standing behind the Prophet (S) in prayer, he said to his other son, Ja‘far: “Go, follow the Prophet.” This congregation of three persons was held after the revelation of the verse, “ Fa’sda‘ bima tu’mar ” which issued the order of openly propagating Islam.[^13] Effects of congregational prayer In addition to the abundant rewards mentioned, observance of religious obligations in the form of congregation has also ample positive effects on the individual and collective life of the Muslim ummah .

Some of these effects are mentioned below: 1. Spiritual effects The greatest spiritual effect of congregational prayer is the divine rewards mentioned. It is narrated that one night, ‘Ali ( ‘a ) was busy in worship till dawn. As dawn { subh } prayer arrived, he said the obligatory prayer individually and rested.