Silsilah as-Sahihah 524 — Virtue of Masjid Nabawi, Masjid Haram

Abdullah bin Uthman bin Arqam narrates from his grandfather Sayyiduna Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). He (peace be upon him) asked me: "Where are you intending to go?" I said: To Bayt al-Maqdis. He (peace be upon him) then asked: "For the purpose of trade?" I said: No, my intention is to pray in Bayt al-Maqdis. He (peace be upon him) said: "Praying here (i.e., in Madinah) is a thousand times better than praying there (i.e., in Ilya)."