Praying in the Mosque in One's own Area is Better
Question :
Is it permissible for the worshipper to abandon the mosque which is in his area on Friday and go to another which is far away, because the Khatib there is very knowledgeable and delivers a good sermon?
Answer:
It is better for him to pray with the people in his area in their mosque, so that they become acquainted with one another and in order to spread harmony between them and so that they encourage each other. But if one of them goes to another mosque in order to gain some religious benefit, such as acquiring knowledge or hearing a Khutbah which has a greater effect on him and increases his knowledge more, then there is no objection to it... and the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to pray with the Prophet in his mosque, in order to gain the reward of the Imam and the reward of the mosque. Then they would go and pray in their areas, as did Mu'ath, may Allah be pleased with him, during the time of the Prophet, and the Messenger knew of this and did not object.
Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 2 Pages 477-478
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