This means that, for those other than the people of a frontier post, it is preferable to pray in the mosque where the congregational prayer is established if he is present, but is not established if he is absent. For example, there may be a functioning mosque in which people pray, but there is a man such that, if he attends and leads them as imam, the congregational prayer is held; whereas, if he does not attend, the people disperse. It is preferable for this man to pray in that mosque, so as to keep it active, for if he did not attend, the mosque would cease to function. Mosques should not be left unused. Thus, this man’s prayer in that mosque is better than his prayer in a mosque with a larger congregation.

This should, however, be qualified by the condition that the mosque not be close to the mosque with the larger congregation. For it may be said that it is better for the Muslims to gather in one mosque, and that this is preferable to their being dispersed. Thus, if there is an old mosque attended by five or ten people, while nearby there is a mosque in which a large number gather, and it is not difficult for the people of the old mosque to proceed to the other mosque, then it may be said that it is preferable for them to join the other mosque and gather there, because the larger the congregation, the better.

Then comes that which has the larger congregation, then the old mosque. The more distant is preferable to the nearer ........

His statement: “Then that which has the larger congregation.”

That is, after what has preceded comes prayer in a mosque with a larger congregation. For example, if there are two mosques, one of which has a larger congregation than the other, then it is preferable for him to go to the one with the larger congregation, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “A man’s prayer with another man is purer than his prayer alone; his prayer with two men is purer than his prayer with one man; and the more numerous they are, the more beloved it is to Allah.”