The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 657 a

He who prayed the morning prayer (in congregation) he is in fact under the protection of Allah. And it can never happen that Allah should demand anything from you in connection with the protection (that He guarantees) and one should not get it. He would then throw him in the fire of Hell.

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes the immense virtue and divine protection granted to those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation. The "protection of Allah" mentioned here encompasses both worldly and spiritual safeguarding - protection from evil, calamities, and spiritual harm.

The phrase "it can never happen that Allah should demand anything from you in connection with the protection" indicates the absolute nature of Allah's covenant. When Allah grants His protection, He fulfills it completely without deficiency. The severe warning at the end serves as a deterrent against neglecting this great blessing and emphasizes the seriousness of abandoning congregational Fajr prayer.

Scholarly Insights

Classical scholars explain that this divine protection begins from the time one leaves for the mosque until returning home. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this includes protection from Satan's whispers, evil people, and various harms.

Imam An-Nawawi emphasizes that the congregation requirement highlights the superiority of praying in mosque over praying alone. The hadith encourages consistency in attending Fajr congregation despite its difficulty, as it demonstrates true faith and commitment.

The warning about being thrown into Hell refers to those who willfully neglect this obligation without valid excuse, showing ingratitude for Allah's protection and disregarding His commands.