Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Is one excused from congregation in the following situations?
1) Raining weather
2) Cold weather
3) Need to relieve one self (toilet)
4) When one is hungry and food is being served
5) In need of a bath (due to major impurity) it will take time to have a bath and then go to the Masjid for Jammat. The time for Jammat passes.
6) When one came back from work or education, found he did not have enough time to go to the mosque and pray in congregation (e.g. Asr or Maghrib prayer). Meaning the time to do Wudu and then go to the mosque to attend Jammat – Jammat will be over.
7) If one was busy in some matter, and then found Jammat time is approaching, tried to get ready and do Wudu and then go to the mosque, but this all took to long and found that Jammat has already started or finished, or there is little time left (when one is still at home). That by going to the Masjid will make no difference because Jammat prayer will have finished.
Walaikum assalam,
In all these situations, one is excused, though the reward of praying in congregation is greater. The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Be avid for that which benefits you.”
The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) also said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer.” The strong believer is the one who is able to take the strongest of means to fulfill that which Allah seeks from us.
The scholars note, too, that excuses are accepted until they become habits, in which case they are no longer excuses.
Walaikum assalam,
Faraz Rabbani.