Does going to the mosque for congregational prayer instead of praying congregationally at home—given that the mosque is nearby—constitute an affront to the Imam? And is congregational prayer at home valid when the mosque is nearby?

Scholars differed on the ruling of establishing congregational prayer in homes. The majority of jurists permit it, and this is the relied-upon view of the Hanbalis. They cited as evidence the hadith (definition) of the two men who prayed in their dwellings then prayed with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Some scholars are of the view that congregational prayer in the mosque is obligatory for those who are able to perform it. This is the view preferred by Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Baz, and Ibn Uthaymeen, who cited as evidence the saying of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him: "Whoever wishes to meet Allah tomorrow as a Muslim, let him observe these prayers where they are called out."

It is more appropriate and preferable for every Muslim to strive to perform congregational prayer in the mosques due to its merit and great reward, and due to the generality of Allah's statement: "The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakah and do not fear except Allah. For it is expected that those will be among the guided."