Next in merit after that is to perform the congregational prayer in the mosque that has the largest attendance, for the reward there is greater. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A man’s prayer with another man is purer than his praying alone, and his prayer with two men is purer than his prayer with one; the larger the group, the dearer it is to Allah.” Reported by Ahmad and Abū Dāwūd and declared authentic by Ibn Ḥibbān. From this we learn that the more numerous the assembly, the more virtuous it is, because when believers gather, mercy and tranquillity descend, supplications become inclusive, and the hope of being answered increases—especially when the gathering contains scholars and people of righteousness. Allah the Exalted says, “Within it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves” (Qur’an 9:108). The verse therefore recommends praying with a righteous congregation that is diligent in keeping pure and in perfecting the ablution.

After that, the preferable place is the older mosque, for acts of obedience were established there before the newer one.

Next in virtue is to pray in the mosque that is farther from one’s home; it is superior to praying in the nearer mosque. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The people who will receive the greatest reward for prayer are those who walk the farthest and yet farther.” He also said, “A man’s congregational prayer surpasses his prayer in his house and his prayer in the marketplace by twenty-five degrees, for when one of you…"