Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
If one prays at home w/ his wife is that considered jamah in it being 27degrees higher than alone? Is the reward tantamount w/ that of praying in the masjid (walking distance).
Walaikum assalam,
Ibn Abidin explains that the reward for praying in congregation is achieved through any valid congregation, such as with one’s wife. This also fulfills the DUTY for men to pray in congregation: the common opinion in the Hanafi school is that it is necessary (wajib) to pray in congregation unless there is a valid legal excuse not to do so. The more lenient opinion is that it is a strong confirmed sunna at the level of a necessary duty. The only difference is in terms of whether one is sinful for missing prayer in congregation ONCE without excuse. Note, however, that being far from a mosque lifts the binding duty to pray in congregation. Some said being far is such that it makes it honestly difficult to get to the mosque. Others defined it as being a distance of about 1.82 kilometres (1.15 miles or so).
However, the full reward of praying in congregation is only achieved by praying in congregation in the mosque, in the first congregation. Many scholars said that the one who makes a habit of willfully misses praying in the mosque when able to without undue hardship is a fasiq. In our times, it is not our duty to think of others this way. Rather, we should hold ourselves to these standards, and be easy with others while giving them good counsel when appropriate.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.