Authentic Aḥādīth on the Prohibition of Worldly Talk in Mosques
Excerpt from: Aḥkām al-Masājid by Shaykh Muḥammad Munīr Qamar
❖ Worldly Talk in Mosques
A widespread practice in the mosques of the Indian subcontinent is that after prayer, people gather in circles to discuss worldly affairs. It often begins with two individuals conversing, then others join until a circle is formed.
They engage in all kinds of worldly discussions: the happenings of the day, food and drink, the prices of cattle, wheat, rice, and market rates. Some speak excessively to appear wise, while others narrate news—true or false—claiming to be informed, and people regard them with admiration.
Such behavior, however, is contrary to the sanctity and respect of the mosques, and it violates their etiquettes. Regarding those who form circles for worldly talk inside mosques, the Prophet ﷺ foretold and condemned them, instructing others not to sit with them.
❖ Prophetic Warnings in Authentic Aḥādīth
◈ From Ibn Ḥibbān and Ṭabarānī — reported from Ibn Masʿūd (RA):
((سيكون فى آخر الزمان قوم يجلسون فى المساجد خلقا خلقا إما هم الدنيا فلا تجالسوهم فإنه ليس لله فيهم حاجة))
Al-Ṣaḥīḥah 3/151-152
“In the latter times, there will be people who will form circles in mosques, their concern being worldly affairs. Do not sit with them, for Allah has no need of such people.”
Ṭabarānī’s wording is as above, while Ibn Ḥibbān records it as:
((سيكون فى آخر الزمان قوم يكون حديثهم فى مساجدهم ليس لله فيهم حاجة))
Silsilat al-Aḥādīth al-Ṣaḥīḥah, Kitāb al-Fitan wa Ashrāṭ al-Sāʿah, ḥadīth no. 3733
“In the latter times, there will be people whose talk in the mosques will all be worldly. Allah has no concern for them.”
◈ From al-Ḥākim in al-Mustadrak, reported from Anas (RA):
((يأتي على الناس زمان يخلقون فى مساجدهم وليس همهم إلا الدنيا، وليس لله فيهم حاجة فلا تجالسوهم))
Iṣlāḥ al-Masājid, p. 145
“A time will come upon people when they will form circles in mosques, and their only concern will be the worldly life. Allah has no need of them. Do not sit with them.”
❖ Statements of Scholars
Based on these aḥādīth, scholars have declared it impermissible to engage in worldly discussions and to form circles for such purposes in mosques.
◈ Imām Ibn al-Ḥājj wrote:
Worldly discussions and conversations about daily events should not be conducted in mosques.
He further stated:
A mosque should only be used for prayer, recitation, remembrance, reflection, or teaching and learning. Even in these activities, voices should not be raised to the extent that they disturb others engaged in prayer or dhikr.
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Targhīb 1/31 – Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ 4214)
❖ Important Note
Ibn al-Ḥājj’s statement is correct that no one should cause disturbance to others. However, it is equally necessary for other worshippers to ensure they fulfill their obligations:
- If someone still owes obligatory prayers or their related sunnan (sunan al-rawātib or muʾakkadah), they must perform them.
- If teaching is being conducted in a language one does not understand or cannot benefit from, one may instead engage in recitation, remembrance, or optional prayers.
