Is Congregational Prayer Established in Makkah? Evidences Explained
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il, Discussion on Ṣalāh, Volume 1, Page 136
❖ Question
Is congregational prayer (ṣalāh bi’l-jamāʿah) proven in Makkah or not?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
Yes, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed congregational prayers in Makkah Mukarramah with his companions (RA). The following evidences highlight this:
◈ Evidences
➊ The Incident of Jibrīl’s Imāmah
When Jibrīl (AS) led the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in prayer, this served as a teaching method for congregational prayer. This shows that the Prophet ﷺ and his companions prayed in congregation in Makkah.
➋ Revelation of the Qur’ānic Verse
﴿وَلاَ تَجْہَرْ بِصَلاَتِکَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِہَا﴾
(Sūrat al-Isrāʾ: 110)
This verse was revealed in Makkah, instructing moderation in reciting aloud during prayer. Its background indicates that prayer in congregation existed in Makkah, where the question of raising or lowering the voice in prayer arose.
➌ The Incident of the Jinn Listening to the Qur’ān
﴿وَاِذْ صَرَفْنَا اِلَیْکَ نَفَرًا مِنَ الْجِنِّ یَسْتَمِعُوْنَ الْقُرْآنَ﴾
(Sūrat al-Aḥqāf: 29)
"And when We directed a group of jinn towards you, listening to the Qur’ān…"
This verse’s reason of revelation shows that the Qur’ān was being recited aloud during congregational prayer in Makkah, which the jinn overheard. This is a clear proof that prayer in congregation was established in Makkah.
Conclusion:Congregational prayer is indeed proven in Makkah Mukarramah from multiple evidences — through the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, Qur’ānic revelation, and historical incidents.
"ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب"
