Performing congregational prayer in a place other than the mosque due to distance
Question
What is the ruling on performing congregational prayer in any place other than a mosque, given that we can hear the call to prayer from the mosque through loudspeakers?
Answer
It is not a condition for the validity of prayer that it be performed in a mosque, whether individually or in congregation. This is based on the hadith narrated by ʿAmr ibn Shuʿayb, from his father, from his grandfather in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The whole earth has been made a place of prayer and a means of purification for me; wherever I may be when the time of prayer comes, I perform ablution and pray”
(recorded by Ahmad).
Scholars have differed regarding the establishment of congregational prayer for obligatory prayers at home. The soundest opinion is that it is permissible, just as it is permissible in a mosque. Accordingly, it is permissible to perform congregational prayer for obligatory prayers in any pure place other than a mosque, even if those praying can hear the call to prayer from the mosque, whether directly or not through loudspeakers. However, it is preferable to respond to the call of prayer and perform the congregational prayer in a mosque, as this increases the number of worshippers who frequent them and pray in them.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
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