"If you both pray in your dwellings, then reach the congregation, pray with them, for it will be a supererogatory prayer for you" (23). As for his statement: "There is no prayer for the neighbor of the mosque except in the mosque," we do not know it except as a statement from Ali himself; it was likewise narrated by Sa'id in his "Sunan." The manifest meaning is that he only intended the congregation, and he expressed the congregation as "the mosque" because it is its location, and its meaning is: There is no prayer for the neighbor of the mosque except with the congregation. It has been said: He intended by it perfection [and merit] (24), for the authentic reports demonstrate that prayer in a place other than the mosque is valid and permissible.

Section: Performing prayer in a mosque where there is a larger gathering is more virtuous, due to the statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "A man's prayer with one man is purer than his prayer alone, and his prayer with two men is purer than his prayer with one man; and whatever is more, it is more beloved to Allah the Almighty." Narrated by Ahmad in "Al-Musnad" (25). If they are equal in the size of the congregation, then performing it in an ancient mosque is more virtuous, because the worship therein is greater. If there is a mosque in his neighborhood or elsewhere where the congregation is not established except by his presence, then performing it there is more appropriate, because he revives it by establishing the congregation therein, and he secures it for whoever prays therein. If it is established therein, and his intent to go elsewhere would break the heart of its imam or its congregation, then comforting their hearts is more appropriate. If it is not like that, then which is more virtuous: heading to the farther one or the closer one?