The wonders of congregational prayer

1) Anas (RA) narrates that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever offers prayer with Jama’at for 40 days with the first takbeer (start of Salah by announcement of Allah’s name), two salvations will be written for him: one from hell and one from hypocrisy.”2) Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said, […]

1) Anas (RA) narrates that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever offers prayer with Jama’at for 40 days with the first takbeer (start of Salah by announcement of Allah’s name), two salvations will be written for him: one from hell and one from hypocrisy.”
2) Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said, “Salah offered with Jama’at is 27 times greater than Salah offered alone.”
3) Imam Muhammad Ghazali (AS) says, “Salah was so important to our salaf saliheen [pious predecessors] that if they missed the first takbeer they would mourn for three days and if anyone missed Jama’at then they would mourn for seven days.” (Mukashifat ul-Quloob)
4) Maymoon bin Mahraan (RA) came to the mosque. He was told that the Jama’at has finished. Upon hearing this, he sadly said, “The fazilat (excellence) of this [Jama’at] is better than ruling over Iraq.” (Mukashifat ul-Quloob)
5) Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the beloved Prophet (SAW) said, “If people knew what was [the reward] in the [calling of] Azan and [being a part of] the first saf [row of Jama’at] then they would not get it without drawing names. So they would draw names [i.e., they would compete for the honour of these two acts]. (Bukhari)
Thoughts and Points
6) Jama’at is compulsory for every sane and mature man who has the ability to offer Salah. It is very important for the people living in the vicinity of the mosque to attend the Jama’at.
7) To move closer to a mosque or madrasah (religious school) with the intention of attaining Jama’at is a very commendable action. May Allah give us the guidance to keep our mosques and Madrasahs alive. In fact, keep this in mind when moving or buying a house.
8) If you live so far that you cannot drive or walk to the mosque or madrasah comfortably then make sure to come for Jama’at at least once or twice a day or week or more [based on distance and means of travel] to at least earn the reward of coming for and praying with Jama’at.
10) One should not think ‘I can’t join the Jama’at, I am too busy with school or work and family’. Such thoughts are from the devil or our own ill- self. If you make the intention and effort, Allah-willing, the hardships will go away.
11) Stand in the saf (rows) shoulder to shoulder so that there is no space left in between.
12) To wait for Salah has been called “Salah,” so be punctual for the Salah.
– Source: alahazrat.net