Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
In the Hanafi Madhab, is it compulsory for men to pray in the masjid regardless if they live in a Muslim country or not? Are there any restrictions that may apply to men praying in the congregation?
Answer
The position of the Hanafi school is that this is an emphasized sunna (sunna mu’akkada) for men to pray in the mosque. Regularly missing it without a genuine excuse renders one sinful. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
There are no restrictions. Praying in a group is also greatly rewarded, but it’s superior in the masjid. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever purifies himself in his house, then walks to one of Allah’s houses (a mosque) to perform one of the acts made obligatory by Allah, one of his steps will efface sin and the other will raise his rank.” [Muslim]
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani