What is the ruling on congregational prayer according to Ibn Taymiyyah, and is it a condition for its validity that it be performed in the mosque, or is it valid anywhere? Is it valid to pray individually due to an excuse? If the first congregation is missed, is it obligatory to search for another congregation, or is it valid to pray individually? Is it obligatory to follow someone who is praying individually? Is it permissible to pray individually at home if it is highly probable that there will be no second congregation?

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah obligates congregational prayer and considers it a condition for the validity of the prayer, citing the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whoever hears the call [to prayer] and does not respond without an excuse, his prayer is not valid." There is no explicit text from him stating that the congregational prayer in the mosque is a condition, but this is apparent from the context of his words and the evidence he presented. When there is an excuse, the obligation of congregational prayer is waived, such as for someone who missed the congregational prayer at the mosque and could not find another congregation. A Muslim must go to the mosque if he hears its adhan (definition) with the unaided voice. If he misses the congregational prayer in his neighborhood mosque, it is recommended for him to go to another mosque to catch the congregation. If he does not find one and prays with his family in congregation at home after missing it, there is no harm in that.