Likewise, taking many steps to the mosques proves that the congregational prayer is to be held in the mosque, not in the home. Whenever a person’s steps to the mosques multiply, Allah raises him in rank and expiates his sins. It is authentically reported from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—that when a man performs ablution in his house, perfects it, and then goes out to the mosque driven by nothing but the prayer itself, he does not take a single step except that Allah elevates him one degree and removes from him one sin. This is a tremendous blessing.

When he reaches the mosque and performs the prayer, the angels continue to invoke blessings upon him for as long as he remains in his place of prayer, saying, “O Allah, send blessings upon him; O Allah, forgive him; O Allah, have mercy on him.” He is counted as being in prayer so long as he is waiting for the next prayer.

The phrase “abundant steps” means that a person comes to the mosque even if it is at some distance; it does not mean that he deliberately chooses a longer route or takes unnaturally short strides. Such contrivance is not prescribed. Rather, he should walk in his usual manner without intentionally lengthening the distance. For example, if there is a nearer route to the mosque and another that is farther, he should not abandon the closer path. However, if the mosque itself is far and he has to walk to reach it, then his many steps to the mosques are among the deeds by which Allah erases sins and raises ranks.

As for “waiting for one prayer after another,” it means that once a person finishes the current prayer, his heart yearns for the next one.