If someone lives next to a big

Q 2: There is a big old Masjid (mosque) - that has been recently repaired - near my house, but I go to offer the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer in another Masjid (Part No. 8; Page No. 273) that is not so old, where an observant young Imam - although none can verify this but Allah - delivers the Friday Khutbah (sermon). He motivates the youth and the adults, and I am affected by his Khutbah, as is everyone else. He discusses useful issues. The question is: Is it better and more appropriate to pray in the old or the new Masjid? One shaykh told me it is obligatory to pray in the old Masjid, as it is nearer, according to the opinion of the Four Madh-habs (Hanafy, Maliky, Shafi`y, and Hanbaly).

A: It is better to pray the Jumu`ah Prayer and the congregational Salah (prayers) in the Masjid you think is most beneficial for your religion, even if it is the farthest or the most crowded, as the reward of this is greater. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The person who will receive the highest reward for Salah is the one who comes the furthest distance." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said: "A man's Salah with another is better than his Salah alone, and his Salah with two men is better than his Salah with only one, but if there are more, it is more pleasing to Allah." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.