"Praying in congregation is twenty-seven times better than praying alone."
The Book of Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah)
Author: Sunan an-Nasa'i | Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 837
Hadith Text
"Praying in congregation is twenty-seven times better than praying alone."
Commentary (Sharh)
This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue of congregational prayer (salah al-jama'ah) over individual prayer. The number twenty-seven signifies multiplication in reward (thawab), not merely arithmetic superiority, demonstrating Allah's boundless generosity to those who unite in worship.
Scholars explain this excellence stems from multiple spiritual benefits: the unity of Muslims, manifestation of Islamic brotherhood, learning prayer properly from the imam, mutual encouragement in piety, and the collective remembrance of Allah that ascends to the heavens.
The specific number mentioned indicates the precise knowledge of the Prophet (ﷺ) regarding spiritual realities. While the reward varies based on intention and devotion, this hadith establishes the minimum superiority of congregational prayer. Those with valid excuses are exempted, but able-bodied Muslims should diligently attend mosques to attain this multiplied reward.