RECOMMENDED PLACES FOR OFFERING
PRAYERS
902. In the sacred religion of Islam great stress has been laid on the offering of prayers in a masjid. Masjidul Haram is superior to all the masjids and after
it the order of priority is as follows: Masjidun Nabi (in Medina), Masjidul
Kufa (in Kufa), Masjid baytul Maqdis (Jerusalem). Then comes the number of Jami'
Masjid (centra) mosque) of every city and thereafter the masjids situated in
the streets and bazaars may be resorted to.903. As regards women it is appropriate for them to offer their prayers at home
and it is still better that prayers should be offered by them in the back room
of the house.904. Offering prayers in the shrines of the holy Imams is recommended and is
even better than offering prayers in a masjid. It has been related that the
spiritual reward for offer- ing prayers in the sacred shrine of Amirul Mu'minin
Imam Ali (peace be on him) is equal to 200,000 prayers. 905. Frequenting a masjid and going to a masjid where very few persons come
to offer prayers is recommended. And it is abominable for a person who resides
in the neighborhood"of a masjid to offer his prayers else-where without a proper
excuse.906. It is recommended that if a person does not go to a masjid, one should
not share one's meals with him or consult him in any matters, or reside in his
neighborhood, or enter into matrimonial alliance with him.