This is what Abu Huraira reported to us from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and (in this connection) he narrated some ahadith, one of them is: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: I intend that I should command my young men to gather bundles fuel for me, and then order a person to lead people in prayer, and then burn the houses with their inmates (who have not joined the congregation).
Hadith Commentary: The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer
Sahih Muslim 651 c - This narration from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) contains a severe warning from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding the obligation of congregational prayer in mosques.
Scholarly Interpretation
The apparent threat of burning houses demonstrates the gravity of abandoning congregational prayer without valid excuse. Classical scholars explain this emphasizes the collective obligation (farḍ al-kifāyah) of establishing congregational prayer in Muslim communities.
Imam An-Nawawi comments this hadith shows the extreme measures contemplated were to emphasize importance, not literal implementation, as Islamic law prohibits such destruction. The rhetorical strength serves to awaken negligence.
Legal Rulings Derived
The majority of scholars hold congregational prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah), while Hanbalis consider it obligatory (wājib) for capable men. Valid excuses include illness, fear, extreme weather, or caring for urgent needs.
This teaching aims to preserve the communal spirit of Islam and prevent the spiritual decay that comes from prayer isolation. The mosque remains the heart of Muslim community life.