Are the second or third congregational prayers in the mosque equal in reward to the first congregational prayer with the Imam, and is congregational prayer at work or school equal to prayer in the mosque?

Firstly: Congregational prayer is obligatory for able-bodied men. Evidence for this includes its obligation even during combat, and the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) threat to burn the houses of those who failed to attend it.

Secondly: The obligation of congregational prayer is in the mosques, not in workplaces or study places. The virtue of praying in the mosque is incomparable to other places.

Thirdly: Whoever has an excuse that prevents him from attending the congregation in the mosque, such as illness or fear, will receive the reward of congregational prayer if he prays at home. He will be granted the full reward if it was his habit to pray in the mosque.

Fourthly: Whoever intentionally delays from the first congregation is sinful. His prayer in a second congregation is better than praying individually, but he will not attain the reward of the first congregation. As for one who is delayed due to an excuse and finds that people have already prayed, he will be granted the full reward of the congregational prayer even if he prays individually.