The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Martyrs are those who die because of drowning, plague, an Abdominal disease, or of being buried alive by a falling building." And then he added, "If the people knew the Reward for the Zuhr prayer in its early time, they would race for it. If they knew the reward for the `Isha' and the Fajr prayers in congregation, they would join them even if they had to crawl. If they knew the reward for the first row, they would draw lots for it."
The Excellence of Congregational Prayer
The Prophet (ﷺ) first enumerates categories of martyrs who attain that noble status without physical combat, demonstrating Allah's vast mercy. Then he emphasizes the immense spiritual rewards of prayers performed in congregation and at their appointed times.
The Superiority of Early Zuhr Prayer
The phrase "they would race for it" indicates that the reward for praying Zuhr at its earliest permissible time is so magnificent that if people truly comprehended it, they would compete vigorously to attain this blessing, abandoning worldly pursuits.
The Special Merit of 'Isha and Fajr Congregation
The mention of "crawling" signifies the tremendous difficulty one should endure to attend these prayers in congregation. 'Isha is challenging due to nighttime comfort, while Fajr requires overcoming sleep. Their congregation carries exceptional reward due to this hardship.
The Virtue of the First Row
Drawing lots suggests the intense competition that would arise for the first row if people knew its superiority. Scholars mention the first row receives angels' companionship and greater spiritual illumination, with rewards increasing proportionally closer to the Imam.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the confirmed excellence of praying in the first row and in congregation. It encourages hastening to prayers at their earliest times and demonstrates that acts of worship accompanied by greater difficulty yield higher rewards with Allah.