Is it permissible for one who delays the congregational prayer with the intention of forbidding evil?
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The questioner : I want to forbid evil, and this causes me to be late for the congregation. Is there any sin on me?
The Shaykh : If you are obligated to do this by the authorities, then there is nothing on you.
The questioner : For example, I am late for the Maghrib prayer by about ten minutes.
The Shaykh : I have answered you.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : If you are obligated by the authority, there is no harm, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So here, leaving the congregation that this man established by his order to go to the laggards, if you are working in accordance with the authority, there is no harm. But if your duty is not from the authority, do not leave the prayer in order to enjoin good upon the people, because if you do so, it is like one who burns himself to light the way for people. Do you understand now?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : If you are obligated to do this by the authorities, then there is nothing on you.
The questioner : For example, I am late for the Maghrib prayer by about ten minutes.
The Shaykh : I have answered you.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : If you are obligated by the authority, there is no harm, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
I intended to order the prayer to be established, then order a man to lead the people, then I would set out with men carrying bundles of firewood to a people who do not attend the congregation—or do not attend the prayer—and I would burn their houses with fire.
لقد هممت أن آمر بالصّلاة فتقام ثمّ آمر رجلاً فيؤمّ النّاس ثمّ أنطلق برجال معهم حزم من حطب إلى قوم لا يشهدون الجماعة -أو لا يشهدون الصّلاة- فأحرّق عليهم بيوتهم بالنّارThe questioner : Yes.