We have a prayer hall and the mosque is very far away; will we be credited with the reward of praying in the mosque?

The questioner : In the urban development of "Al-Qusaymah," there is a prayer hall, but no mosque. The mosque is 3 kilometers from us, and we pray in congregation there approximately. Will we be credited with the reward of praying in the mosque?

The Shaykh: No.

The questioner : Is there an adhan? I mean, do they establish the adhan?

The Shaykh : This is congregational prayer, and it will be credited to you. However, the congregation of a mosque has a special virtue.

Another questioner : Is there a sin on them?

The Shaykh : Yes?

Another questioner : Is there a sin in leaving the mosque congregation?

The Shaykh : If they do not hear the adhan—the natural adhan, meaning not through a loudspeaker—and do not respond to it, then they are certainly sinful.

Another questioner : They must demand a mosque, just as they demanded a park, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : How?

Another questioner : They must demand a mosque, just as they demanded a park, playgrounds, and schools; they must demand a mosque.

The Shaykh : These people, I mean.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : I have no information about that, but this is necessary.