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Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had said:
If the people were to know what excellence there is in the Adhan and in the first row, and they could not (get these opportunities) except by drawing lots, they would have definitely done that. And if they were to know what excellence lies in joining the Prayer in the first Takbir, they would have vied with one another. And if they were to know what excellence is in the Night Prayer and Morning Prayer, they would have definitely come even if crawling (on their knees).
(Agreed upon)
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Lessons Deduced
1. This hadith teaches inciting Muslims to “Adhan” i.e. call to prayer because it constitutes one of the rituals of Islam. The reward of the one who calls for prayer is abundant.
2. The first lines in the congregational prayer are preferred because those in them come early.
3. The congregational prayer and coming to it early are of great merit.
4. The prayers of the evening and the dawn are preferred to be performed in congregation in the mosque because they represent an evident proof of truthfulness with Allah; for hypocrites they are the heaviest prayers.
