What is the ruling on fulfilling a worldly need before or after prayer in the mosque, or going to a distant mosque because there is a need within it or near it, knowing that the worshipper was going to go out to pray in any case?

The described scenarios are acceptable as long as the worshipper intends the Face of Allah, and he will be credited with the reward of congregational prayer. Scholars have differed in interpreting the hadith: "He desires nothing but prayer" and "Nothing takes him out but prayer." The majority of commentators went of the opinion that the intent is that one should not leave his home except for prayer, so the specific reward — elevation of ranks and expiation of sins — is not attained by one who leaves for a worldly need in addition to prayer. While others went of the opinion that the intent is arriving at the mosque not solely for prayer, and that merely intending prayer inside the mosque is sufficient. Leaving for a need after prayer does not affect the reward, just as Allah permitted buying and selling after the Friday prayer.