What are the legitimate excuses permitted by Islamic law for missing congregational prayer, and is merely experiencing hardship sufficient as an excuse, especially given that strict adherence to congregational prayer disrupts the questioner's personal life and causes difficulty for his parents?

The religion of Allah is ease. What the questioner is doing by making things difficult for himself, abandoning his interests out of fear of missing the congregational prayer, is blameworthy extremism. The Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not abandon striving to earn a livelihood for such a reason. The questioner is urged to abandon extremism and to be diligent in attending to his own interests and those of his parents, for honoring one's parents is a great act of worship.

The fatwa clarified that if the questioner arrives at the mosque and finds that the congregation has already prayed some parts, he should join them. If he finds that they have finished the prayer, he will still receive the reward of the congregation due to his intention. It was also explained that congregational prayer outside the mosque, such as in a workplace or at home with family, is valid. Furthermore, there are excuses that permit one to miss the congregational prayer, such as: illness, fear of illness occurring, rain, mud, resisting the two impurities (urine and feces), food being present, and fear for one's wealth, self, or family from harm.