What is the virtue of praying in zawiyas where lessons and recitations are held between Maghrib and 'Isha, and where the Adhan is not called, and does it differ from the virtue of praying in the mosque, knowing that they are close to the mosque?

The term "Zawiya" or "Zawiyas" encompasses multiple types, each with its own legal ruling:

1. Small Mosque: If the Zawiya is a small mosque for performing prayers and study circles, it takes on all the rulings of a mosque. Sheikh Ibn Baz said: If it is the only mosque in the neighborhood, prayers should be performed there in congregation, and an imam and muezzin should be appointed for it. If larger and more spacious mosques exist, praying in the larger mosques is preferred.

2. Educational or Da'wah Center: If the Zawiya is dedicated to teaching, education, and advising good without innovations (bid'ah) or superstitions, then it is a Zawiya of goodness and blessings, and it plays a role in spreading awareness. However, it does not take on the rulings of mosques. Praying there in congregation is better than praying alone, but it does not reach the reward of praying in a mosque.

3. Place for Innovations and Evils: If the Zawiya is established to revive misguided innovations and newly invented matters, such as dhikr circles with dancing, or the recitation of polytheistic mawlids, or magic and sorcery, or seeking help from other than Allah, then it must be boycotted except for offering advice. It is forbidden to aid in its establishment or construction, and one should warn against what is propagated within it. Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim said: It is highly probable that such Zawiyas are not free from prohibited matters. However, if they are not like that and are permissible and one draws near to them, then there is no harm in them. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah permitted endowments for righteous Sufis.