Is it better to pray in a distant mosque with a large congregation, or in a nearby mosque where there are only a few worshippers, and sometimes one prays alone?

The jurists have agreed that the minimum number for a congregational prayer is two: an Imam and a follower, with the exception of the Friday and Eid prayers. It is not permissible for a Muslim to pray alone in the mosque if he believes he will pray by himself. Rather, he must go to perform the congregational prayer, as it is obligatory for men. Some Shafi'i scholars have stipulated that praying in congregation at home is better than praying alone in the mosque, although it is preferable to pray in the nearest mosque if the congregation cannot be formed except by his presence. It is recommended to invite the mosque's neighbors to maintain congregational prayer therein.