Is it permissible for university students to pray in the prayer room located in the dormitory, rather than in the distant mosque whose imam prolongs the prayer, leading to a waste of time and a decline in academic achievement? Does this diminish their reward? And is persistent prayer in the mosque an act of piety or a satanic whisper given these circumstances?

Congregational prayer (jama'ah) is obligatory, and the mosque is not a condition for it. Praying in a prayer room (musalla) fulfills one's obligation. However, the greater merit and reward are attained by praying in the mosque. Nevertheless, praying in a musalla might be better if it involves inviting non-worshippers or encouraging them, as mentioned by Al-Shirbini. As for studying, it can be managed by reducing time with friends after prayer.