Is a man's prayer with his children at home counted as a congregational prayer? Is his prayer at home with his children sufficient for one who missed the first congregational prayer at the mosque, instead of catching later congregations at the mosque? And is a man's prayer with his wife alone considered a congregational prayer?

Congregational prayer is obligatory for able-bodied men. If someone misses the congregational prayer at the mosque, it is legislated for him to pray in congregation with someone else who also missed the prayer, or with someone who charitably joins him, based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “Will not a man charitably give to this one by praying with him?” If he knows at his home that the congregational prayer at the mosque has concluded, he may pray it with his family or come to the mosque. Multiple congregations in a mosque are of two types: The first is regular and intentional, which is an innovation. The second is irregular, which is a Sunnah. A man praying with another man is purer than him praying alone, and the larger number is more beloved to Allah. It is better to establish a second congregation in the mosque because it is more beneficial for the worshipper and for others. A congregation is formed by two individuals: an Imam and a follower. So, if a man prays with his wife, it is a congregation, and the wife stands behind him.