As the Messenger of Allah (S) did not see him in the...

As the Messenger of Allah (S) did not see him in the congregation for the dawn prayer, he went to his house. Hadhrat Fatimah ( ‘a ) said that ‘Ali’s ( ‘a ) night vigil was the reason for his failure to attend the congregational dawn prayer.

The Prophet (S) said that the reward not earned by ‘Ali ( ‘a ) for not attending the congregational dawn prayer is more than the reward for the whole night of worship.[^14] The Messenger of Allah (S) has said: “If I pray the dawn prayer in congregation, it is more lovable for me than night vigil and worship till morning.”[^15] It is for these merits and rewards that if the number of persons praying exceeds 10, the reward of one rak‘ah cannot be written by the angels if all the skies were sheets of paper, the seas pens, and the trees ink.[^16] 2.

Social effects Congregational prayer is a prelude to unity among the ranks, closeness of hearts, and promotion of the spirit of brotherhood. It is a kind of informal attendance check, and the best way of identifying individuals. Congregational prayer is the largest, purest and most economical gatherings in the world. It is a sort of free-of-charge meeting, familiarity with each other’s problems, and a platform for social cooperation among Muslims. 3.

Political effects Congregational prayer is a symbol of the power of Muslims, closeness of hearts and their solidarity in their unity of purpose. It eliminates discord, strikes fear in the hearts of enemies, upsets hypocrites, and is a thorn in the eyes of the malevolent. Congregational prayer is a demonstration of presence on the scene, and the link between the Imam and the ummah . 4.

Moral and Educational Effects In congregational prayer, individuals stand in a single row, setting aside all distinctions of position, race, language, wealth, etc. Purity and sincerity of affection toward fellow human beings is aroused. Meeting one another in rows of worship, makes believers experience a sense of belonging that engenders courage, power and hope. Congregational prayer creates a sense of order and discipline, alignment, and time-consciousness.

It effaces the spirit of individualism, schism and isolation, while engendering a sense of struggle against arrogance and selfishness. Congregational prayer teaches unity of expression, direction, objective, and leadership. And since the most pious, meritorious and knowledgeable person must be the one to lead the congregation, it is a kind of training and promotion of knowledge, piety and justice.