The most eminent among human beings (as a recipient of) reward (is one) who lives farthest away, and who has to walk the farthest distance, and he who waits for the prayer to observe it along with the Imam, his reward is greater than one who prays (alone) and then goes to sleep. In the narration of Abu Kuraib (the words are):" (He waits) till he prays along with the Imam in congregation."
Hadith Text & Context
The most eminent among human beings (as a recipient of) reward (is one) who lives farthest away, and who has to walk the farthest distance, and he who waits for the prayer to observe it along with the Imam, his reward is greater than one who prays (alone) and then goes to sleep. In the narration of Abu Kuraib (the words are):" (He waits) till he prays along with the Imam in congregation."
Reference: Sahih Muslim 662 | Book: The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer | Author: Sahih Muslim
Commentary on Distance & Effort
The Prophet (ﷺ) highlights that spiritual merit increases with physical effort in worship. One who travels a greater distance to the mosque receives greater reward, demonstrating that difficulties endured for Allah's sake transform into spiritual capital. This encourages Muslims to frequent mosques despite hardships.
Scholars explain this encompasses both physical distance and challenging circumstances. The greater the struggle to reach congregational prayer, the more abundant the divine reward, as every step toward the mosque elevates one's spiritual rank and erases sins.
Virtue of Waiting for Congregational Prayer
The hadith emphasizes superior merit for those who await the Imam and pray in congregation over those who pray alone and sleep. This waiting period is itself worship, filled with remembrance of Allah, reflecting patience and anticipation for collective devotion.
Classical commentators note this waiting is considered "being in prayer" as the heart remains connected to worship. The congregation's spiritual energy multiplies rewards, making this superior to individual prayer even with additional voluntary prayers.
Legal & Spiritual Implications
This narration establishes the excellence of congregational prayer over individual prayer. Scholars derive that consistent mosque attendance, despite difficulties, is a sign of strong faith and brings comprehensive blessings in one's spiritual and worldly affairs.
The hadith encourages building communities around mosques and enduring hardships for religious obligations. It teaches that Allah rewards intention and effort, not just the act itself, making every step to the mosque and every moment of waiting a continuous act of worship.