❖ The Significance of Mosques in Islam
◈ Mosques: The Most Beloved Places to Allah
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:"The most beloved places to Allah are the mosques."
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 671)
◈ The Virtue of Building a Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ stated:"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Hadith 450; Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 533)
Even constructing a mosque as small as a bird's nest earns this immense reward.
◈ Maintaining and Frequenting Mosques
Allah ﷻ says:"The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day..."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:18)
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned:
"Seven are shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment... a man whose heart is attached to the mosques."
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Zakat, Hadith 1031)
❖ Rewards of Praying in the Mosque
◈ Enhanced Reward for Congregational Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:"Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times more rewarding than a prayer performed individually."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Hadith 645; Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 650)
◈ Steps Towards the Mosque Elevate Status
The Prophet ﷺ stated:"Whoever purifies himself in his house, then walks to one of the houses of Allah to perform an obligatory prayer, each step he takes will elevate him one degree and erase one sin."
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 666)
◈ Angels' Supplication for the Worshipper
The Prophet ﷺ said:"The angels continue to pray for one of you as long as he remains in his place of prayer, saying: 'O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, have mercy on him.'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Hadith 659; Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 649)
❖ Etiquettes and Prohibitions in the Mosque
◈ Observing Proper Conduct
- Offering Two Rak'ahs Upon Entry:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When one of you enters the mosque, he should pray two rak'ahs before sitting."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Hadith 444; Sahih Muslim, Book of Travelers' Prayer, Hadith 714) - Avoiding Loud Conversations:
Raising voices in the mosque is discouraged, as it disturbs others engaged in worship. - Refraining from Spitting:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Spitting in the mosque is a sin, and its expiation is to bury it."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Hadith 415; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 552) - Avoiding Worldly Discussions:
Mosques are designated for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and recitation of the Qur'an. - Not Bringing Offensive Odors:
The Prophet ﷺ advised those who have eaten garlic or onions to avoid the mosque due to their odor.
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith 564) - Handling Sharp Objects with Care:
When carrying sharp objects, ensure they are covered to prevent harm to others. - Prohibition of Commercial Activities:
The Prophet ﷺ forbade buying, selling, or announcing lost items in the mosque.
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Prayer, Hadith 1079; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Prayer Times, Hadith 322)
❖ Special Mosques and Their Unique Rewards
◈ Masjid al-Haram (Mecca)
The Prophet ﷺ said:"One prayer in Masjid al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere."
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Establishing Prayer, Hadith 1406)
◈ Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina)
The Prophet ﷺ stated:"One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of Prayer in Mecca and Medina, Hadith 1190; Sahih Muslim, Book of Hajj, Hadith 1394)
◈ Masjid Quba
The Prophet ﷺ said:"Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, he will have a reward like that of an 'Umrah."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Prayer, Hadith 324; Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Establishing Prayer, Hadith 1412)
◈ Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem)
The Prophet ﷺ advised:"Do not set out on a journey except for three mosques: Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and Masjid al-Aqsa."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Virtues of Prayer in Mecca and Medina, Hadith 1189; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1397)
❖ Supplications Related to the Mosque
◈ Upon Entering the Mosque
"O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy."(Sahih Muslim, Book of Travelers' Prayer, Hadith 713)
"In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy."
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Mosques, Hadith 771; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Prayer Times, Hadith 314)
◈ Upon Leaving the Mosque
"O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty."(Sahih Muslim, Book of Travelers' Prayer, Hadith 713)
"In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your bounty."
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Mosques, Hadith 771; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Prayer Times, Hadith 314)
❖ Additional Guidelines
- Entering with the Right Foot: One should enter the mosque with the right foot and exit with the left.
- Women's Attendance: Women are permitted to attend the mosque, especially for night prayers, with the Prophet ﷺ stating:
"Do not prevent your women from going to the mosque at night."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Hadith 865; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 442) - Children in the Mosque: It is permissible for children to be present in the mosque.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Hadith 516; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 543) - Non-Muslims Entering the Mosque: Non-Muslims may enter the mosque when necessary.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Hadith 469) - Avoiding Certain Places for Prayer: Praying in graveyards, bathrooms, or facing graves is prohibited.
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Prayer, Hadith 492; Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith 972)
