The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings."
Hadith Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari 662
Commentary on the Virtue of Mosque Attendance
This noble hadith from the Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan) in Sahih al-Bukhari illuminates the immense reward for those who consistently attend the five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque. The "morning and afternoon" refer to all five prayers, as the day's prayers begin with Fajr (morning) and continue through Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha (afternoon and evening).
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith demonstrates the superiority of praying in congregation over praying alone. The "honorable place in Paradise" indicates a special station close to Allah's Throne, reserved for those who perfect their worship through congregation.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars emphasize that this reward is for those who maintain consistency in attending congregational prayers, not merely occasional attendance. The phrase "good hospitality" (naiman) refers to the highest levels of comfort and pleasure in Paradise that never diminish or cause boredom.
Imam al-Qurtubi notes that this hadith encourages Muslims to make the mosque central to their daily routine, transforming mundane comings and goings into acts of worship that build their spiritual account for the Hereafter.
Practical Application
The scholars derive from this that one should live within walking distance of a mosque to facilitate regular attendance. The effort expended in going to the mosque - whether dealing with weather, distance, or personal comfort - becomes part of the worship that earns this magnificent reward.
This hadith serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to prioritize congregational prayer, recognizing that each step toward the mosque is recorded as an act of obedience bringing them closer to Allah's pleasure and the promised reward in Paradise.