Places Where Performing Prayers Is Recommended (mustahab)

Ruling 879. In the sacred law of Islam, it has been highly advised to perform prayers in a mosque. The best of all mosques is Masjid al-Ḥarām, and after that the Mosque of the Prophet (Ṣ), and after that the Mosque of Kufa, and after that the al-Aqsa Mosque, and after that the jāmiʿ mosque ⁽¹³²⁾ of every town, and after that one’s local mosque, and after that a mosque in the bazaar.

Ruling 880. It is better that women perform their prayers in a place where it is more likely that they will not be seen by those who are not maḥram to them, whether that place be at home, in a mosque, or somewhere else.

Ruling 881. Performing prayers in the shrines (ḥarams) of the Infallible Imams (ʿA) is recommended; indeed, it is better than performing them in a mosque. It has been reported that a prayer in the sacred shrine of His Eminence, the Commander of the Faithful [Imam ʿAlī] (ʿA), is equal to 200,000 prayers.

Ruling 882. It is recommended to go to a mosque frequently, and to go to a mosque that does not have people performing prayers there. Furthermore, it is disapproved for the neighbours of a mosque to perform prayers in any place other than in the mosque without a legitimate excuse.

Ruling 883. It is recommended that one should not sit to eat with someone who does not attend a mosque, nor should one seek his advice on matters, be his neighbour, take his daughter in marriage, or give him a daughter in marriage.