What is the difference between a mosque and a prayer hall? And is it permissible to pray in a prayer hall when a mosque is available?

The questioner : ... What is the difference between a mosque and a prayer hall, O Shaykh? And is it permissible to pray in a prayer hall when a mosque is available?

The Shaykh : No, it is not permissible.

The questioner : What are the criteria? What is the criterion that distinguishes a mosque from a prayer hall?

The Shaykh : It is that which has been endowed for prayer to be performed in it.

The questioner : How do you mean?

The Shaykh : If it is endowed for the five daily prayers, it is a mosque. And if it is endowed for the five daily prayers and the Friday prayer, it is a congregational mosque.

The questioner : We are currently at the university, and we only pray in the college, just the midday prayer. We might also pray the sunset and night prayers... In some colleges, it is only the midday prayer. It is closed during the four-month vacation. Is this considered a mosque?

The Shaykh : This is a prayer hall.

The questioner : A prayer hall, and is it not permissible to pray in it?

The Shaykh : How?

The questioner : Is it not permissible to pray in it, the...?

The Shaykh : Is it not permissible to pray the midday prayer?

The questioner : Is it not permissible for us...?

Another questioner : In the congregational mosque, in the congregational mosque.

The Shaykh : Next to the school? If there is a mosque outside the school, the curriculum must align with Islamic principles, but perhaps this is achieved in some countries and not in others.