It is narrated from Ma'dan bin Abi Talhah al-Ya'mari that Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) asked me: Where do you live? I said: In a village near Hims. So Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "There are no three people in a village or in the desert among whom the prayer is not established (in congregation), except that Satan has gained mastery over them." So hold fast to the congregation, for the wolf eats only the sheep that strays far from the flock. This hadith has a sahih (authentic) chain, but the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.