Hadith # 1063
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) delayed the night prayer ('Isha') till midnight. He (PBUH) turned to us after Salat (prayer) and said, "The people slept after performing their Salat, but you who waited, will be accounted as engaged in Salat throughout the period of your waiting."
[Al-Bukhari]
Commentary
We learn from this Hadith that it is an act of merit and reward to sit and wait for the Imam and the Jama'ah (congregation) and one who does so will be treated as one who is engaged in Salat. We also learn from this Hadith that if a person performs Salat when its time is due, it is quite fair, although in that case he will not get the reward of waiting for the Imam and the Jama'ah.
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