Joining a Solitary Worshipper in Prayer

Authored by: Shaykh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (حفظہ اللہ)

Question:
If someone is praying alone, can another person join them in the prayer?

Answer:
If a person is praying alone and another joins them, it forms a congregation (Jama’ah), and this practice is supported by authentic Ahadith.

Evidence from Ahadith​

➊ Narration of Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما):
"I spent a night at the house of my aunt Maymunah (رضی اللہ عنہا). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stood up at night to pray. I stood on his left side to join him in prayer, but he held my head and made me stand on his right side."
(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Adhan, Hadith No. 699; Sahih Muslim, Kitab Salat al-Musafirin, Hadith No. 763; Sunan al-Nasai, Hadith No. 807)

This Hadith demonstrates that if a person is praying alone, another person can join to form a congregation.

Understanding from Scholars​

Imam Bukhari (رحمہ اللہ) supported this ruling by dedicating a chapter in his book discussing situations where the Imam does not intend to lead the prayer, but others join him, thereby creating a congregation.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (رحمہ اللہ) comments on the benefits derived from this Hadith:
"It establishes the permissibility of congregational prayer for optional (Nafl) prayers, following an Imam who did not initially intend to lead, and clarifies the appropriate positions for the Imam and follower."
(Fath al-Bari, Vol. 2, Pg. 485)

Imam Ibn al-Mundhir (رحمہ اللہ) used the narration of Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) to support the view that the Imam’s intention to lead is not a prerequisite for the validity of the prayer.

➋ Narration of Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ):
"During Ramadan, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prayed. I came and stood beside him, and another person joined and stood next to me until we became a group. When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) sensed us, he shortened his prayer."
(Sahih Muslim; Fath al-Bari, Vol. 2, Pg. 192)

This Hadith indicates that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) did not initially intend to lead the prayer, yet the companions followed him, and he approved of their action.

Ruling on Obligatory and Optional Prayers​

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمہ اللہ) distinguished between obligatory and optional prayers, stating that the intention to lead is required for obligatory prayers but not for optional ones. However, this distinction is debated, as the Hadith of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) indicates otherwise:

➌ Narration of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ):
"The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw a man praying alone and said, 'Who will give charity by praying with him?'"
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Salah, Hadith No. 574)

This Hadith refers to an obligatory prayer and suggests that if a person is praying alone, another can join to form a congregation.

Conclusion​

Whether the prayer is obligatory or optional, joining a solitary worshipper is permissible, and it creates a congregation. Authentic Ahadith support this ruling, as does the inclination of scholars such as Imam Bukhari (رحمہ اللہ). Thus, if someone joins an individual in prayer, it is a valid and commendable act.