What is the ruling on praying at home due to the absence of worshippers in the adjacent mosque?

His prayer at home is valid, and it is hoped that there is no sin upon him. However, it is better to pray in the mosque to populate it and to gain its virtues, such as descending to Paradise, elevating ranks, and expiating sins.

Scholars differed on which is better: praying individually in the mosque, or in congregation elsewhere.

Some are of the view that congregational prayer outside the mosque is better, because the virtue of performing worship in congregation takes precedence over the virtue of its location.

Others are of the view that praying individually in the mosque is better, based on the general Hadith (definition): "Indeed, the best prayer is a person's prayer in their home, except for the obligatory prayers."

Some scholars believe that it is obligatory to go to the mosque even if one prays individually, such as in a remote area where no one prays. In such a case, one should continue to go to the mosque and call the Athan; if no one comes, then one prays alone.