Excuses for missing congregational Salah

A: Some of the excuses that permit men to absent themselves from congregational Salah in the Masjid (mosque) are: a severe illness that disables them from going to the Masjid; fear that if they go to the Masjid to pray they will be killed by someone waiting for them on the way or inside the Masjid; fear of being falsely arrested and imprisoned; that a person they are nursing may die or be injured if left alone while they go to pray in congregation; etc. A student having little time to offer Salah in congregation and fearing that his thoughts might be distracted from his studies, or that he might not be able to consolidate his revision and link the information from his studies together, has no valid excuse to absent himself from Salah in congregation. Time is extensive and studying lasts for several months, whereas the time dedicated to offering the Five Obligatory Daily Prayers congregationally in the Masjid is very short compared to those months. Time runs out due to neglecting to study in the due time and delaying study until the exams come close, not due to offering Salah in congregation in the Masjid, as this is one of the greatest (Part No. 8; Page No. 40) and most sublime acts of Taqwa (fear/wariness of offending Allah). Allah, the Exalted, says, And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.