Community has been an integral aspect of Muslim life and culture from the onset of Islam. In fact, when asked why the Prophet (S) loved his first wife, Khadija so much, he responded, “She believed in me when no one else did.” This points to the human need for connection – and how far it goes towards our emotional and mental wellness.
When Islam was still new to Makkah, and Quraysh was hell-bent on prosecuting anyone who believed or followed Prophet Muhammad (saw), Muslims used to meet in private in the home of al-Arqam to read and learn the Quran. The Prophet (saw) kept a close circle of friends and confidantes around him who played a key role in preserving his life and his teachings.
And, perhaps the most beautiful example of community in our history is when the Muslims migrated from Makkah to Madinah, and the Ansar (the people of Madinah) literally shared their homes, money and lives with the Muhajiroon (the migrants who came from Makkah). That is one of the most selfless acts a group of people could do for one another. This is all to say that community and community support is held in the highest regard in Islam and is something we all should prioritize in our lives.
Prayer in Congregation as the Basis of Islamic Community
One of the first things the Prophet (S) did upon moving to Madinah was building a masjid to become the center of Muslim life and community. Salah – the MOST crucial act a Muslim must do – is a deeply personal one-on-one time between a Muslim and his Lord. However, it is strongly recommended to be performed in congregation as well.
Reflect on that for a minute; why would Allah (S) ask this of us? What are the repercussions on the believers for doing so? Prayer, along with Hajj, is one of the most beautiful displays of humanity (and equality). A king is no different than a servant, a poor man no different than a rich one. We all line up facing the same direction, shoulder to shoulder, facing our Creator. All boundaries are null and void, five times a day. What a beautiful reminder of our shared faith, morals and ideals, and what a wonderful way to keep ourselves in check, to be aware of what our brother and sisters might be going through, what their needs are, and what we can do as a collective to uplift each other and the Muslim ummah.
On the flip side, loneliness is one of the biggest plagues in our society. It changes our thoughts and increases our levels of cortisol (stress hormone), which erodes our quality of life, sleep and overall health and wellbeing. It can affect our judgment and drive us to the brink of suicide, bringing on a crisis and even violence. In a world where we are ever connected, we are increasingly disconnected, finding ourselves without a community, without a “village,” and without even a large enough circle of friends.
But … imagine a world where at least once a day, you had the opportunity to connect with a brother or sister in faith. Where the girl who made the decision to take off her hijab can still walk into her masjid and get the same enthusiastic “Salaam!” she used to get when she wore it. Where the boy who did drugs earlier this week can still feel like he can turn to Allah (S) amongst his brothers in Islam. Where the woman who just miscarried can find love and support on any given day at the majid. Where the man who just lost his job and has no family around can find compassion and maybe even some comic relief amongst his congregation to make a hard day a little less hard.
That world is designed to exist in our masajid and beyond. Think about that. I’m not delusional enough to think that it always does exist, but I am ever hopeful that it can, and will. It’s up to us – and I think it’s achieved by example. Be what you wish for your congregation, and I promise you the effect will trickle through.
Our success as humans, and as Muslims, lies in the following hadith. The Prophet (saw) said:
“A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts support each other.” The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced while saying that.” (Bukhari) He also said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
