Does the Prophet’s going out to the mosque indicate that it is obligatory for those present to attend the mosque?

Question : Yes. Well, the Prophet’s action when he was ill was that he attended the congregation and prayed while sitting.

Answer : It may indicate it, or it may not, because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) only went out for the sake of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). For this reason, he went out after the iqamah had been called; he did not tell them, “Wait for me until I come, and I will come.” But it appears that he (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some lightness and wanted to please the hearts of the Companions, so he went out.