Is a Muslim who was accustomed to congregational prayer in the mosque, then stopped going to it, sinful?
It is recommended to maintain congregational prayer in the mosque and not to miss it except for a valid excuse, based on the Prophet's saying: "Whoever hears the call and does not answer it, there is no prayer for him except for one with an excuse." Indeed, the Prophet intended to burn the houses of those who failed to attend it. Missing congregational prayer is a characteristic of hypocrites, as Ibn Mas'ud said: "None misses it but a hypocrite whose hypocrisy is known."
Congregational prayer is twenty-seven degrees superior to individual prayer. Walking to the mosque raises one's ranks and expiates sins. Whoever attends the 'Isha prayer in congregation is as if he prayed half the night, and whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation is as if he prayed the entire night.
It is recommended to get to know your brothers in faith, love them, and spread peace among them, as this is among the greatest things that help protect against the snares of Satan. "For Satan is with the one, and he is further away from two."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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