Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If the people knew what is the reward of making the call (for the prayer) and (of being in) the first row (in the prayer), and if they found no other way to get this privilege except by casting lots, they would certainly cast lots for it. If they knew the reward of the noon prayer, they would race for it, and if they knew the reward of the morning (i.e. Fajr) and `Isha prayers, they would present themselves for the prayer even if they had to crawl to reach there.
The Excellence of Prayer and Its Congregation
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (2689) illuminates the immense spiritual rewards associated with congregational prayer, particularly emphasizing three distinct virtues: the call to prayer (adhan), praying in the first row, and the special merit of certain prayers.
Virtue of the Call to Prayer and First Row
The Prophet (ﷺ) indicates that the reward for delivering the adhan and praying in the first saff (row) is so tremendous that people would resort to casting lots if they knew its true value. The mu'adhdhin's voice will be witnessed by every creature hearing it on Judgment Day, while the first row resembles the ranks of angels in its spiritual proximity.
Scholars explain this signifies the superiority of collective worship over individual prayer, with specific positions carrying greater spiritual weight. The first row demonstrates early arrival and earnestness in seeking Allah's pleasure.
Special Merit of Noon, Dawn and Night Prayers
The "racing" for Dhuhr prayer refers to hastening to the mosque when the time enters, as this prayer occurs during busy daytime hours when people are occupied with worldly affairs.
The extraordinary mention of Fajr and Isha prayers requiring "crawling" indicates their particular difficulty yet supreme reward. Fajr is prayed when sleep is deepest and most desirable, while Isha comes when night has settled and rest beckons. Overcoming these natural inclinations demonstrates strong iman and earns magnificent recompense from the Most Generous.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith teaches us that true believers measure actions by their eternal worth rather than worldly convenience. The hyperbolic language underscores how spiritual realities transcend physical perceptions.
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that these descriptions motivate believers to prioritize prayer above all worldly engagements, recognizing that what appears as hardship in this world translates into immense pleasure in the Hereafter.