Sharʿī Ruling on Eating and Drinking in Mosques in Light of Authentic Aḥādīth
Excerpt from: Aḥkām al-Masājid by Shaykh Muḥammad Munīr Qamar
❖ Eating and Drinking in the Mosque
At first glance, one might assume that eating and drinking inside the mosque contradicts its sanctity and is therefore prohibited. However, in reality, this is not the case. It is permissible provided the etiquettes of the mosque are observed, cleanliness is maintained, and no traces of food are left behind.
Thus, if ever necessary, one may sit in a corner, spread a small cloth, and eat carefully—ensuring the mosque remains clean and free from food particles that could attract ants or cause impurity.
This allowance, however, does not mean the mosque should be turned into a dining hall. It is specifically for travelers, the needy, or exceptional circumstances—not for those who casually bring takeout meals and eat in the air-conditioned environment of the mosque.
❖ Evidence from Authentic Aḥādīth
◈ From ʿAbdullāh ibn Ḥārith ibn Juzʾ (RA):
((كنا ناكل على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى المسجد الحب واللحم ثم نصلي ولا نتوضأ))
Ibn Mājah 3300, Musnad Aḥmad 4/190
“In the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, we used to eat bread and meat in the mosque and then pray without renewing our wuḍūʾ (i.e., on the same wuḍūʾ).”
◈ Another narration states:
((أكلنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى المسجد لحما قد شوي، فمسحنا أيدينا بالحصباء ثم قمنا نصلي ولم نتوضأ))
Ibn Mājah 3311, Musnad Aḥmad
“We ate roasted meat with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in the mosque. We wiped our hands with pebbles and then stood up to pray without performing wuḍūʾ again.”
❖ The Companions Residing in the Mosque
◈ The Aṣḥāb al-Ṣuffah lived permanently in Masjid al-Nabawī, as recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Naturally, they ate and drank inside the mosque, as they had no homes or families.
◈ Likewise, the incident of the seven men from ʿUkal and ʿUraynah tribes who stayed with Aṣḥāb al-Ṣuffah in the mosque proves the same. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
◈ The story of Thumāmah ibn Uthāl, who was tied to a pillar of the mosque for three days by the Prophet’s ﷺ command, also indicates that he was provided with food inside the mosque. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
❖ Other Incidents Supporting This Ruling
◈ During the Battle of the Trench, Saʿd ibn Muʿādh (RA) was injured, and the Prophet ﷺ had a tent set up for him inside the mosque for treatment. Naturally, food and drink were provided there. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
◈ The woman who used to clean the mosque also had a tent inside, as did some delegations (e.g., the delegation of Thaqīf). These incidents confirm that eating in the mosque was practiced.
❖ Scholarly Opinions
Imām Mālik permitted eating a few bites in the mosque but discouraged excessive eating out of respect for its sanctity. This was mentioned by al-Zarkashī in Iʿlām al-Masājid (p. 329).
Thus, the consensus from authentic ḥadīth and scholarly discussion is:
✔ Eating in the mosque is permissible when necessary, provided cleanliness and respect are maintained.
✔ It must not turn into habitual feasting or negligence of the mosque’s sanctity.
