THE FIQH DEPARTMENT

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.
Although every Fiqh opinion is based on evidence, often times, the scholars differ in their views. This room for differences is a mercy from Allah, and as long as there is evidence to support an opinion, then we must respect scholars' views, even if we may not always agree.
The Prophet (SAW) said:
"Whoever performs Ijtihad and errs will receive one reward. Whoever performs Ijtihad and arrives at the correct answer gets double the reward"
(Bukhari) 
Shyness Keeps Him from Praying in Congregation PDF Print E-mail
Fiqh: Islamic Jurisprudence - Salah
Written by Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen   

Question:

I pray in my house due to the following reasons: I am afflicted by extreme shyness, although I offer many supererogatory prayers and supplicate often and glorify Allaah as well. Is my prayer in the house not accepted?

Answer:

It is incumbent upon you to pray in the mosque with the congregation. The shyness which causes you to abandon this legal obligation is considered cowardice, and it is not permissible for a person to abandon an obligation due to shyness. Such person must force himself to pray with the congregation, so if he is shy on one day, he will not be shy on another day. However, if you are not capable of going out to the mosque at all and so you pray in your house, there is no sin upon you, because this is considered to be a valid excuse, because Allaah says: So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can. [1] And the Prophet said: If I order you do something, do it as much as you are able. [2]

 

 

[1] At-Taghabun 64:16. [2] Muslim no. 1337 and Ahmad 2:2 and 508.

 

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen

Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 2 Page 392