Some statements of the Salaf (early generations of Muslims) regarding the ruling on praying in congregation:
Imam Shāfi’ī said, “I do not hold that anybody who is able to attend the congregation is allowed to not attend unless he has an excuse.”
Dāwūd said, “Praying in congregation is obligatory for absolutely everybody just like Friday prayer. This is what ‘Atā` Ibn Abī Rabāḥ, Aḥmad Ibn Ḥanbal, Abū Thawr and others said [Al Mawsū’ah Al Fiqhiyyah Al Muyassarah p. 2/21].