The unity of Islamic Ummah (nation) is one of the issues which are of considerable significance in Islam, and to preserve and promote this unity, Islam has special programs one of which is "congregational prayer".

Besides the many traditions speaking of the great heavenly rewards and remunerations for such prayers, one can find out, through a careful look at some Islamic rules and issues, how important and significant this worship is. Some of these issues are as follows:

Issue 677: As quoted in a tradition, "If one person follows the Imam (Prayer leader), every single Rak'at of such prayer is worth one hundred and fifty Rak'ats of solitary prayers, and if two people follow the congregation leader, every Rak'at of their prayers is worth six hundred Rak'ats of solitary prayers, and the reward increases as the members of the congregation increase until they are ten people, and when the number of the members of the congregation exceeds ten people, if all the skies turn into paper, and the seas into ink, and the trees into pen, and if all genies, humans and angle become scribes, they will not even manage to write the rewards for one Rak'at of such prayer".

Issue 678: It is recommended for every one, especially the neighbors of the mosques, to attend the congregational prayer.

Issue 679: It is recommended to defer one's prayers so that they can offer their prayers in congregation.

Issue 680: Delayed congregational prayers are preferred to solitary prayers offered at the primetime.

Issue 681: A short congregational prayer is better than a prolonged solitary prayer.

Issue 682: It is not right to abandon congregational prayers without a justifiable excuse.

Issue 683: It is not permissible to absent oneself from congregational prayers ignorantly and unduly.

Q684: Is it obligatory for those people whose recitation of prayers is wrong but can correct it, to attend congregational prayers when they have no difficulty and distress?

A: What is obligatory in such a case is to correct their recitation, not to attend the congregational prayers, but if they do not correct their recitations, it will be wise to attend the congregational prayers so that they will not need to redo or Quadha those prayers later.

Q685: What will the case be when primary school students join the lines of the congregation?

A: If they are considered discerning children, their prayers will be valid.

Q686: Will the prayers of a woman offered in congregation be valid if she attends the congregational prayers while her husband does not consent to it?

A: The prayers will be valid.

Q687: What will the case be if because of personal disputes with the Imam some people offer solitary prayers in a mosque while congregational prayers are being offered? Obviously such acts will be the source of discord.

A: If the purpose of the solitary prayers is to attribute profligacy to the Imam (congregation leader), their prayers will be void, and whenever there is congregational prayer, they must not deprive themselves of the blessings.