Question
Reference number: 605140 | Prayers | Nov. 4, 2020
I live in a European country; there are no mosques in the city where I live. However, there is a mosque in a small village which is 15 km away from the city where I live; this is because the citizens of such a village are originally Turkish and Azerbaijani Muslims. I work and I have a car. I can go to that village, but am I sinful if I do not go?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
The congregation prayer is a confirmed act of Sunnah. The prophet stressed on its importance; however, he didn’t count the blind excused as long as this blind gets someone to lead him to the mosque. Therefore, as long as you have a car, you have time, and there are no obstacles which prevent you from going there, you have to go to that mosque whenever you can. In case you cannot for any compelling circumstances, you are permitted not to go. Keep in mind, the longer the distance is, the more rewards you get. Moreover, the congregation prayer is 25 times better than the individual prayer especially if the congregation prayer is performed in a mosque.