Prayer in Congregation is Obligatory

Question :

Some people may Allah guide us and them do not attend the congregational prayers, without any lawful reason and some of them excuse themselves due to their worldly affairs, and when advice is proffered to them, they continue in their obstinacy; in fact, they always reply: "Prayer is for Allah and it is not for anyone to interfere in it." What do you say to this?

Answer:

Mutual advice between the Muslims and censuring evil is one of the most important obligations, as Allah, the Most Glorified says:

The believers, men and women are Awliya' (helpers, supporters and friends) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden).

And the Prophet said:
"If any of you saw something detestable, he should change it with his hand; and if he is unable to do this, then by his words; and if he is unable to do this, then in his heart- and this is the weakest kind of faith.

And he said:
Religion is giving advice.
It was said: "To whom, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied:
"For Allah, for His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and the Muslims in general.

Both of these were narrated by Muslim in his Sahih.

There is no doubt that abandoning the congregational prayer without an excuse is a form of Munkar, which should be censured. The five prayers must be performed in the mosque by men, according to numerous evidences, such as the words of the Prophet:
"Whoever heard the call (to prayer) and did not answer it, there is no prayer for him, unless he has an excuse (i.e. due to illness or travel).

It has been authentically reported from the Prophet that a blind man said to him: "O Messenger of Allah! I have no guide to lead me to the mosque; is there any license for me to pray in my house?"

The Messenger of Allah asked:
"Do you hear the call to prayer?»

He replied: "Yes." He said:
"Then respond to it.

The Hadiths carrying the same meaning are numerous, so it is an obligation upon the Muslim, when his brother censures some defect in him, not to become angry and not to answer him except with good words. Indeed, he must thank him and ask Allah to reward him with good, because he has invited him to obedience to Allah and reminded him of his obligation, so it is not permissible for him to behave arrogantly towards the one who invited him to the truth, according to Allah's Words, in rebuke to those who do so, which promise them the punishment of the Hell-Fire:

And when it is said to him: "Fear Allah," he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is the Hell- Fire and worst indeed is that place to rest.