The Ruling on Congregational Prayer and Its Obligation

Question:
One of the questioners says: Honorable Shaykh, some people say that congregational prayer is not obligatory in the mosque, but if one prays at home, that suffices?

Answer:
There is a difference between saying that it suffices and saying it is not obligatory. It is obligatory in the mosques built for it, where imams and mu'adhdhins are appointed for it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to check on the people who were absent from the prayer, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, which indicates its obligation. The evidence for its obligation is abundant. Among this is that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, encouraged it, checked on those who lagged behind in it, and described them as hypocrites.
That is, practical hypocrisy, not doctrinal hypocrisy, though it could also be doctrinal hypocrisy. But if a Muslim lags behind in it and is not a hypocrite, then it is practical hypocrisy. So the one who is negligent regarding congregational prayer should repent to Allah and attend congregational prayer with the Muslims. But if he leaves it and prays alone, his prayer is valid, but he commits a sin by leaving congregational prayer. Yes.