What are the rulings regarding congregational prayer?

The rulings concerning congregational prayer (Salat al-Jama'ah) can be summarized as follows: It is an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) upon free, adult men. Excuses for not attending include illness, fear, rain and mud, needing to relieve oneself (defecation or urination), and the presence of food. It is obligatory for anyone who hears the call to prayer (adhan). The congregation is formed by two or more individuals, and the greater the number, the greater the reward. Women are permitted to attend mosques with adherence to Islamic guidelines, though their prayer in their homes is superior. The congregational prayer is caught by catching one rak'ah with the Imam, and a rak'ah is caught by catching the Imam while he is bowing (ruku'). It is recommended to hasten to the first row. The one most deserving of leading the prayer (Imamate) is the one who has memorized the most of the Qur'an, then the most knowledgeable of the Sunnah, then the oldest in age. Prayer is valid behind any righteous or wicked person, as long as they are from the people of the Qiblah. It is prescribed to approach mosques with tranquility and dignity. The Imam stands in front of the congregants, while the Imam for women stands in their midst, and a single individual stands to the right of the Imam. One should not pray alone behind the row unless the mosque is full.