Congregation
Congregational Prayer
Congregational prayer is a prayer performed together behind an imam. It is a mu'akkadah (emphasized) sunnah for men and is 27 times more meritorious than praying alone.
Steps for Performing Congregational Prayer:
1. Preparation:
- Rows should be straight. Stand shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot.
- Do not move to the second row until the first row is full.
2. Starting the Prayer:
- The imam takes the takbir; the congregation takes the takbir immediately after.
- When making the intention, add the phrase "following the imam."
3. Standing (Qiyam):
- While the imam recites al-Fatiha and a surah, the congregation listens silently (Hanafi).
4. Bowing (Ruku') and Prostration (Sujud):
- Do not go into ruku' or sujud before the imam.
- The imam says "Sami'allahu liman hamidah," and the congregation says "Rabbana lakal-hamd."
5. Salam:
- When the imam gives salam, the congregation also gives salam.
Important Points:
- No movement should be made before the imam.
- No gaps should be left in the rows.
- If someone arrives late to the congregation, they join the prayer in whatever position they find the imam.