Q: I have researched about it deeply and I can conclude that there are cases in which it is recommended by our religion to pray alone instead of attending congregational prayers such as when you feel that your life or assets are in danger, in state of fear of your death, etc. Hence my situation is that I love to pray in the masjid with all the people together but whenever I enter the masjid, I suspect everyone as a suicide bomber. During whole prayer I am not able to concentrate in my Salah, this happened more intense when I bring my kids with me at Juma or even daily prayers. During prayer I start to imagine blood and body parts on the carpet and during whole prayers my mind is busy in thinking that if it really happens, how I will save my kids? From where will we escape, etc. I feel much better praying alone in my house or more better in an empty masjid. My question is that in that case what should be the right thing to do?
A: If the area you are living in does not experience these things which you are speaking about then there is no need for you to entertain these doubts and have these fears. You should go to the Musjid and perform your Salaah with Jamaat. Just as you leave home for work purposes or to meet family and friends, or to make purchases from shops and supermarkets, and these fears do not stop you from fulfilling these needs, similarly, you should go to the Musjid to perform your Salaah with jamaat.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)