1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

46 Questions

Is it better to pray obligatory prayers in congregation with the Sunnis rather than alone?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Yes it is better to pray with congregation than praying alone even if the congregation is with Sunni Muslims. When you pray in congregation with Non-Shia Muslims, you need to recite Al-Hamd and other Sura yourself but with out clear voice.

 Wassalam.
I understand that praying optional prayers in congregation is not allowed. But then why do we have Eid prayers in congregation since it is, in any case, optional until the return of Imam Mahdi (AJ)?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Eid Prayer is allowed to be prayed in congregation because it is in its original form an obligatory prayer in the presence of the Prophet (SAWA) and the Imam (AS). It is not like Salat Al-Lay or Nafila or Ghofaila etc which is always recommended. The reason behind praying Eid Namaz in congregation is its original form which is Wajib.

Wassalam.
What does it actually mean when it is said that the Imam leading congregational prayers has to be just?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

It is a term in jurisprudence within the conditions of the person who can lead a congregational Prayer to Aadil عادل. Aadil means a pious person who does not deliberately commit sinful acts, and if it happens that he committed a sinful act, he immediately repents and seeks forgiveness and never insists on wrong. Such pious, God fearing, obedient person is called Aadil.
(Just) is a literal linguistic translation of Aadil but it does not include the full meaning of the term Aadil.

Wassalam.
In general what are things, specific to praying in congregation, that should be avoided as they would invalidate the prayers?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Congregation Prayer (Salat Al-Jama'ah) becomes invalid if the person deliberately does Rokoo' or Sojood or any other act of Salah before the Imam of Jamaa'ah. Reciting Tasbeehat or Tashahhud or Salaam before the Imam of Jamaa'ah is Makrouh but it does not invalidate the Jamaa'ah while doing the acts of Salah before the Imam of Jamaa'ah does invalidate the Jamaa'ah but not the Salah. Salah then becomes Furada (individual) when the Jamaa'ah is invalid.

Wassalam.