They pray in congregation in the hospital; does this suffice for them instead of attending the mosque?

Question:
Several congregational prayers are held in the hospital, and the mosques are nearby. Is it obligatory for those who are near them to go to the mosque? Or is it sufficient for them to pray in these congregations inside the hospital?

Answer:
This requires a detailed explanation. The person who must be present in the hospital, such as a guard or the like, or a patient who is unable to reach the mosque, is not obligated to go out to the mosque. Rather, he prays in his place with the congregation with whom he is able to pray. As for the one who is able to reach the mosque, it is obligatory for him to do so, in accordance with the evidence from the Shari'ah. Among this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): It was said to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): What is the excuse? He said: Fear or illness. It was narrated by Ibn Majah and al-Daraqutni, and Ibn Hibban and al-Hakim graded it as authentic, and its chain of narration is sound.