There was a man who, as far as I know, lived farther from the mosque than anyone else, and he never missed a prayer

Explanation

’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that a man from the Ansār lived farthest from the Prophet's Mosque, yet he never missed a prayer—he would attend every prayer with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). So it was said to him: If you were to buy a donkey to ride during the darkness of night and the heat of the ground in the daytime, he replied: It would not please me for my house to be next to the mosque. I want Allah to record for me my walking to the mosque for prayer and my return when I go back to my family. His words reached the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who said: "Verily, Allah has gathered all of that for you."

Lessons

• The intense keenness of the Companions to pursue goodness, increase in it, and earn reward.
• An-Nawawi said: "This indicates that reward is affirmed for the steps taken when returning from the prayer, just as it is for those taken when going to it."
• Muslims should encourage one another toward goodness and offer sincere advice in righteousness. So if someone sees that his brother is experiencing hardship, he should offer him advice to help relieve it.
• Living far from the mosque is not an excuse for missing the congregational prayer, as long as one can hear the call to prayer.