The Indication of the Blind Man’s Hadith on the Obligation of Congregational Prayer

Question:
May Allah reward you. The questioner says: Many people who try to escape praying in congregation cite the hadith of the blind man, so they pray in their homes, using the description of the blind man as evidence. Is this evidence for them or against them?

Answer:
Who is this blind man? The blind man is evidence for the obligation of congregational prayer, because a blind man came to seek permission from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray at home, explaining that he faced difficulties between his home and the mosque and had no guide to lead him. He asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for a dispensation to pray at home. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked, “Do you hear the call to prayer?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Then answer it, for I find no dispensation for you.” So it is evidence against him, unless he is doing what we know. Allah knows best. Yes.