JAMA’H (CONGREGATION) EXPIATION AND RANKS

The Prophet said: I saw (in a vision) my exalted and supreme Lord bearing a very fine appearance. He asked me, about what are these favoured angels of mine arguing? I replied, ‘You know well.’ Then he put his hand (on my chest) between the two shoulders, so that I felt its coolness (i.e. comfort) on my chest. (On account of this blessing) I came to know all that is in the heavens and the earth. Thereupon ALLAAH said to me, “O Muhammad! Now you know what these favoured angels are arguing about? I replied, yes, it is about the expirations. And these are:

1. Remaining in the mosque after the Salaah is over;
2. Going to the mosque to perform Salaah in congregation;
3. Performing the ablution even when it is difficult to do so (during extreme cold). Whoever did so, his life was well spent and he met a good death and his sins were forgiven him to such an extent that he became as much clear of his sins as he was on the day when she / he was born.

ALLAAH then said, “O Muhammad, say the following supplication when you have finished your Salaah,

“O ALLAAH! I ask thee for good deeds, giving up of evil, and love for the poor, when it is Thy wish to suggest thy servants into some trail, raise me to Thyself before I fall into it.” And he said that the following lead to exaltation in rank: Wishing peace to each other sincerely; feeding each other and being busy in Zikar when other people are sleeping.”[Mishkat]