The Congregational prayer

What is considered a congregation?
The least number required for the congregational prayer is two: the Imam (leader) and another one with him. The more the people, the more rewarding is the prayer. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “A man’s prayer with another man is worth more than his prayer individually, and his prayer with two men is worth more than his prayer with only one man. The more there are, the more rewarding it is by Allah.” [Ahmad and Abu Dawood]
The Prayer is better to be performed in the mosque. The farther the mosque is, the better. Concerning this, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “The people attaining the most reward are those who are farthest to walk (to the mosque).” [Muslim, Ahmad and Abu Dawood]
Who should be the Imam:
The congregational prayer is led by an Imam. The Imam should be male, just, and well aware of Islamic jurisprudence. The Imam stands in front by himself while the followers stand behind him in straight lines, all facing the Qiblah (the direction of Ka’bah). The most worthy of leading people in prayer is the one who is the best in memorizing and reciting the Quran. If they are equal, then the one who has the deepest knowledge of Sunnah. If they still are equal in the knowledge of Sunnah, then the oldest of the group. The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “The most versed in the recitation of the Book of Allah leads the people in prayer. If they are equal, then the one who is most aware of the Sunnah. If they all are equal, then the one who emigrated earlier. If they again are all equal, then the oldest of them.” [Muslim].Source https://www.islamweb.net/