Is it permissible to miss the first congregation in prayer on the grounds that there is a second congregation in which one can pray?
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The questioner : Shaykh, ... does it prevent ... .
The Shaykh : What?
The questioner : Delaying the prayer ... coming ... .
The Shaykh : No, it is not permissible to miss the first congregation. The first congregation is the one that carries the reward, and leaving it entails punishment. As for the second, it is a charity. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called it a charity, saying, "Whoever gives charity to this person, let him pray with him."
The Shaykh : What?
The questioner : Delaying the prayer ... coming ... .
The Shaykh : No, it is not permissible to miss the first congregation. The first congregation is the one that carries the reward, and leaving it entails punishment. As for the second, it is a charity. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called it a charity, saying, "Whoever gives charity to this person, let him pray with him."