Source: Khutbat Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, Compiled by: Tawheed.com
Islam is a complete code of life that organizes every aspect of an individual's and society’s existence. Within this Divine system, the mosque holds a central and sacred place. It is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual, moral, and social training center for Muslims.
Muslims turn toward the mosque multiple times each day, bowing before Allah ﷻ, finding peace for their hearts, purification for their souls, and renewed strength for their faith.
In this article, we will explore the status of the mosque, virtues of building and maintaining it, and the etiquettes of attending mosques, in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah—so that we may fully appreciate the sanctity and blessings of these Houses of Allah.
The mosque is the House of Allah ﷻ—the place where His slaves prostrate before Him. People of all backgrounds and social classes stand in a single row, facing one Qiblah, calling upon the One true Lord.
It is a sanctuary of mercy where the sinners weep, repent, and seek forgiveness.
Allah ﷻ said in the Qur’an:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ﴾
“The mosques of Allah are maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakāh, and fear none except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.”
[Surah at-Tawbah: 18]
① Attribution to Allah:
Allah ﷻ says: "Masājid of Allah", attributing them to Himself — a sign of honor and reverence.
② A Sign of Faith:
The verse links mosque construction and maintenance to those who truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.
③ Prophetic Endorsement:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify to his faith."
[Tirmidhī: 3093, Ibn Mājah: 802]
﴿وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَنْ يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَىٰ فِي خَرَابِهَا﴾
“Who is more unjust than the one who prevents Allah’s name from being mentioned in His mosques and strives toward their ruin?”
[Surah al-Baqarah: 114]
Abandoning or neglecting mosques is a grave sin and a sign of spiritual loss.
﴿فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ﴾
“In houses which Allah has permitted to be raised, and His Name be remembered therein…”
[Surah an-Nūr: 36]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The most beloved places to Allah are the mosques, and the most hated are the markets."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 671]
Mosques are not just places for prayer—they serve as spiritual and communal centers. Building and maintaining them is an act of faith that brings reward in both this life and the hereafter.
As Allah ﷻ said:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ…﴾
[Surah at-Tawbah: 18]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah—even if it is as small as a bird’s nest—Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
[Ibn Mājah: 738 – Ḥadīth Ṣaḥīḥ]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Among the deeds that benefit a believer even after death… is a mosque he built."
[Ibn Mājah: 242 – Graded Ḥasan by al-Albānī]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Seven are shaded under Allah’s Throne on the Day of Judgment… among them is the one whose heart is attached to the mosque."
[Bukhārī: 660, Muslim: 1031]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever purifies himself at home, then walks to the House of Allah to perform prayer—each step removes a sin and elevates his rank."
[Muslim: 666]
"Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosques in darkness that they will be granted perfect light on the Day of Judgment."
[Abū Dāwūd: 561, Tirmidhī: 223]
"When you see a man regularly attending the mosque, bear witness to his faith."
[Tirmidhī: 3093]
﴿رِجَالٌ لَا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ﴾
“Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah…”
[Surah an-Nūr: 36–37]
Allah ﷻ commands:
﴿وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ﴾
“And bow down with those who bow down.”
[Surah al-Baqarah: 43]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not come to the mosque, there is no prayer for him—unless he has a valid excuse."
[Tirmidhī: 217, Ibn Mājah: 793 – Graded Ṣaḥīḥ by al-Albānī]
Even a blind man (Ibn Umm Maktūm رضي الله عنه) was told by the Prophet ﷺ to attend the mosque upon hearing the adhān.
[Muslim: 653]
Abdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه said:
"Only a known hypocrite would stay behind from congregational prayer."
[Muslim: 654]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"I considered setting houses on fire of those who do not attend the mosque for prayer."
[Bukhārī: 644, Muslim: 651]
"Prayer in congregation is 25 to 27 times more virtuous than individual prayer."
[Bukhārī: 2119, Muslim: 649]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Teaching or reciting two verses of the Qur’an in the mosque is better than two she-camels… three verses better than three camels…”
[Muslim: 803]
"Whenever people gather in a mosque to read and study the Book of Allah… tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those with Him."
[Muslim: 2699]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Build mosques in neighborhoods, keep them clean, and fragrance them."
[Abū Dāwūd: 455, Tirmidhī: 594]
Women may attend the mosque with proper hijab and modesty, but praying at home is more rewarding.
"Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from the mosques of Allah, but their homes are better for them."
[Abū Dāwūd: 567]
Entering:
"اللّٰهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ"
"O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me."
Exiting:
"اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ"
"O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty."
[Abū Dāwūd: 465]
✦ Do not walk in front of someone praying
✦ Use a sutrah (barrier) in front while praying
✦ Buying and selling in the mosque is prohibited
✦ Announcing lost items in the mosque is forbidden
✦ Avoid loud recitation or disturbance during others’ worship
✦ Avoid mosque after eating pungent foods like garlic or onion
✦ Wear clean and respectful clothing in the mosque
✦ Avoid leaving after adhān without valid reason
Mosques are the houses of Allah on earth, places of serenity, unity, and spiritual growth. Loving the mosque is a sign of faith; maintaining and frequenting it brings nearness to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
[Bukhārī: 450, Muslim: 533]
Let us:
✔ Contribute to building and maintaining mosques
✔ Be regular in attending congregational prayers
✔ Respect and uphold mosque etiquette
✔ Revive the mosque as a center for knowledge, remembrance, and reform
❖ Introduction
Islam is a complete code of life that organizes every aspect of an individual's and society’s existence. Within this Divine system, the mosque holds a central and sacred place. It is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual, moral, and social training center for Muslims.
Muslims turn toward the mosque multiple times each day, bowing before Allah ﷻ, finding peace for their hearts, purification for their souls, and renewed strength for their faith.
In this article, we will explore the status of the mosque, virtues of building and maintaining it, and the etiquettes of attending mosques, in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah—so that we may fully appreciate the sanctity and blessings of these Houses of Allah.
❖ The Status and Rank of the Mosque
The mosque is the House of Allah ﷻ—the place where His slaves prostrate before Him. People of all backgrounds and social classes stand in a single row, facing one Qiblah, calling upon the One true Lord.
It is a sanctuary of mercy where the sinners weep, repent, and seek forgiveness.
❖ Mosques as Attributed to Allah
Allah ﷻ said in the Qur’an:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ﴾
“The mosques of Allah are maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakāh, and fear none except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.”[Surah at-Tawbah: 18]
✿ Key Points from the Above Verse
① Attribution to Allah:
Allah ﷻ says: "Masājid of Allah", attributing them to Himself — a sign of honor and reverence.
② A Sign of Faith:
The verse links mosque construction and maintenance to those who truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.
③ Prophetic Endorsement:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify to his faith."
[Tirmidhī: 3093, Ibn Mājah: 802]❖ Those Who Abandon Mosques
﴿وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَنْ يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَىٰ فِي خَرَابِهَا﴾
“Who is more unjust than the one who prevents Allah’s name from being mentioned in His mosques and strives toward their ruin?”[Surah al-Baqarah: 114]
Abandoning or neglecting mosques is a grave sin and a sign of spiritual loss.
❖ Mosques as Centers of Worship and Remembrance
﴿فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ﴾
“In houses which Allah has permitted to be raised, and His Name be remembered therein…”[Surah an-Nūr: 36]
❖ Beloved Places to Allah ﷻ
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The most beloved places to Allah are the mosques, and the most hated are the markets."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 671]❖ Virtues of Building and Maintaining Mosques
Mosques are not just places for prayer—they serve as spiritual and communal centers. Building and maintaining them is an act of faith that brings reward in both this life and the hereafter.
✿ Building a Mosque is a Sign of Faith
As Allah ﷻ said:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ…﴾
[Surah at-Tawbah: 18]✿ Reward for Constructing a Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah—even if it is as small as a bird’s nest—Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
[Ibn Mājah: 738 – Ḥadīth Ṣaḥīḥ]✿ Ongoing Charity (Ṣadaqah Jāriyah)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Among the deeds that benefit a believer even after death… is a mosque he built."
[Ibn Mājah: 242 – Graded Ḥasan by al-Albānī]❖ Reward for Attending and Loving the Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Seven are shaded under Allah’s Throne on the Day of Judgment… among them is the one whose heart is attached to the mosque."
[Bukhārī: 660, Muslim: 1031]❖ Every Step Toward the Mosque Is Rewarded
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever purifies himself at home, then walks to the House of Allah to perform prayer—each step removes a sin and elevates his rank."
[Muslim: 666]❖ Light for Those Who Walk in Darkness
"Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosques in darkness that they will be granted perfect light on the Day of Judgment."
[Abū Dāwūd: 561, Tirmidhī: 223]❖ Frequenting the Mosque is Proof of Faith
"When you see a man regularly attending the mosque, bear witness to his faith."
[Tirmidhī: 3093]❖ Mosques are Homes for the Righteous
﴿رِجَالٌ لَا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ﴾
“Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah…”[Surah an-Nūr: 36–37]
❖ Congregational Prayer in the Mosque
Allah ﷻ commands:
﴿وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ﴾
“And bow down with those who bow down.”[Surah al-Baqarah: 43]
❖ Condemnation for Neglecting Congregational Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not come to the mosque, there is no prayer for him—unless he has a valid excuse."
[Tirmidhī: 217, Ibn Mājah: 793 – Graded Ṣaḥīḥ by al-Albānī]❖ Blind Companion’s Incident
Even a blind man (Ibn Umm Maktūm رضي الله عنه) was told by the Prophet ﷺ to attend the mosque upon hearing the adhān.
[Muslim: 653]❖ Strong Emphasis from Companions
Abdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه said:
"Only a known hypocrite would stay behind from congregational prayer."
[Muslim: 654]❖ Severe Warning from the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"I considered setting houses on fire of those who do not attend the mosque for prayer."
[Bukhārī: 644, Muslim: 651]❖ Congregational Prayer Brings Greater Reward
"Prayer in congregation is 25 to 27 times more virtuous than individual prayer."
[Bukhārī: 2119, Muslim: 649]❖ Seeking Knowledge in the Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Teaching or reciting two verses of the Qur’an in the mosque is better than two she-camels… three verses better than three camels…”
[Muslim: 803]❖ Knowledge Circles in the Mosque
"Whenever people gather in a mosque to read and study the Book of Allah… tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those with Him."
[Muslim: 2699]❖ Maintaining Cleanliness and Etiquettes
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Build mosques in neighborhoods, keep them clean, and fragrance them."
[Abū Dāwūd: 455, Tirmidhī: 594]❖ Women and Mosques
Women may attend the mosque with proper hijab and modesty, but praying at home is more rewarding.
"Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from the mosques of Allah, but their homes are better for them."
[Abū Dāwūd: 567]❖ Entering & Exiting the Mosque — Sunnah Du‘ās
Entering:
"اللّٰهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ"
"O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me."
Exiting:
"اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ"
"O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty."
[Abū Dāwūd: 465]❖ Other Key Etiquettes & Prohibitions
✦ Do not walk in front of someone praying
✦ Use a sutrah (barrier) in front while praying
✦ Buying and selling in the mosque is prohibited
✦ Announcing lost items in the mosque is forbidden
✦ Avoid loud recitation or disturbance during others’ worship
✦ Avoid mosque after eating pungent foods like garlic or onion
✦ Wear clean and respectful clothing in the mosque
✦ Avoid leaving after adhān without valid reason
❖ Conclusion
Mosques are the houses of Allah on earth, places of serenity, unity, and spiritual growth. Loving the mosque is a sign of faith; maintaining and frequenting it brings nearness to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
[Bukhārī: 450, Muslim: 533]Let us:
✔ Contribute to building and maintaining mosques
✔ Be regular in attending congregational prayers
✔ Respect and uphold mosque etiquette
✔ Revive the mosque as a center for knowledge, remembrance, and reform
