Islam is a complete code of life that organizes every aspect of a person’s individual and social life. In this religion, the mosque holds a central position. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a center for the spiritual, moral, and social training of Muslims.
Muslims turn towards the mosque repeatedly day and night, bow before Allah Almighty there, granting peace to hearts, purification to souls, and freshness to faith.
In this article, we will explain the importance of the mosque in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, the virtues of its construction and maintenance, and the etiquettes of attending mosques, so that we all may properly understand the sanctity and blessings of the houses of Allah.
❖ The Status and Position of the Mosque
The ‘mosque’ is the house of Allah Almighty where servants prostrate before their Lord. This is the place where people of every class and rank stand in the same row to express servitude. Facing the same Qibla, all call upon the same Allah.
This is the place of mercy where sinful servants shed tears, repent, and seek forgiveness.
❖ Mosque in relation to Allah
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has attributed the mosque to Himself, thereby clarifying its greatness:
The command of the Almighty:
﴿ اِنَّمَا یَعْمُرُ مَسٰجِدَ اللّٰہِ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰہِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَ اَقَامَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ اٰتَی الزَّکٰوۃَ وَ لَمْ یَخْشَ اِلَّا اللّٰہَ فَعَسٰٓی اُولٰٓئِکَ اَنْ یَّکُوْنُوْا مِنَ الْمُہْتَدِیْنَ ﴾
Translation:
“Only those maintain the mosques of Allah who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakah, and fear none but Allah. It is hoped that they will be among the rightly guided.”
❖ Points derived from the Noble Verse
➊ Attribution to Allah:
Allah Almighty said, “Mosques belong to Allah,” meaning He attributed the mosque to Himself. This is a proof of its honor and dignity.
➋ Sign of the Believers:
Allah Almighty has attributed the duty of building and maintaining mosques to the believers — that is, the person who believes in Allah and the Hereafter is the one who keeps the mosque inhabited.
➌ Support of the Prophet ﷺ:
The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِذَا رَأَیْتُمُ الرَّجُلَ یَعْتَادُ الْمَسَاجِدَ فَاشْہَدُوا لَہُ بِالْإِیْمَانِ)
“When you see a person coming and going in the mosque, testify to his faith.”
❖ Those who abandon mosques
Allah Almighty said:
﴿ وَمَنْ اَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ مَّنَعَ مَسٰجِدَ اللّٰہِ اَنْ یُّذْکَرَ فِیْہَا اسْمُہٗ وَسَعٰی فِیْ خَرَابِہَا ﴾
Translation:
“Who can be more unjust than one who forbids the name of Allah to be mentioned in His mosques and strives toward their ruin?”
This verse makes it clear that maintaining the mosque is a sign of faith, and leaving it desolate is oppression and deprivation.
❖ Mosque, the center of remembrance and worship
Allah Almighty said:
﴿ فِی بُیُوتٍ اَذِنَ اللّٰہُ اَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَیُذْکَرَ فِیْہَا اسْمُہٗ ﴾
Translation:
“In houses (i.e., mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised and in which His name is to be remembered.”
These are the very places where the believers glorify Allah morning and evening, illuminate their hearts with His remembrance, and seek His mercy.
❖ The Saying of the Prophet ﷺ
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
(أَحَبُّ الْبِلَادِ إِلَی اللّٰہِ مَسَاجِدُہَا، وَأَبْغَضُ الْبِلَادِ إِلَی اللّٰہِ أَسْوَاقُہَا)
“Allah’s most beloved places are the mosques, and the most disliked places are the markets.”
❖ Virtues of Building and Maintaining Mosques
In Islam, mosques are not only places of worship but also centers of spiritual and social life of the religion. Allah Almighty has declared their construction and maintenance as a sign of the faithful. Building mosques and keeping them thriving is an act that brings goodness and salvation to the servant in both this world and the Hereafter.
❖ Building a Mosque is a Sign of Faith
The Holy Quran has made it clear that maintaining a mosque is a sign of faith:
﴿ اِنَّمَا یَعْمُرُ مَسٰجِدَ اللّٰہِ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰہِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ﴾
This verse clarifies that building a mosque, serving it, and worshiping in it are signs of faith and proof of the life of a believer’s heart.
❖ The Great Reward of Building a Mosque
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
(مَنْ بَنٰی مَسْجِدًا لِلّٰہِ كَمَفْحَصِ قَطَاۃٍ أَوْ أَصْغَرَ، بَنَی اللّٰہُ لَہُ بَیْتًا فِی الْجَنَّۃِ)
Translation:
“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.”
Meaning, no matter how small the construction of the mosque is, Allah grants a magnificent palace in Paradise in return.
❖ Building a mosque is a continuous charity
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(إِنَّ مِمَّا یَلْحَقُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ عَمَلِہِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِہِ … أَوْ مَسْجِدًا بَنَاہُ …)
Translation:
“Among the deeds whose reward continues for a believer even after death is building a mosque.”
Meaning, whoever builds a mosque performs an act whose reward and blessings continue even after death.
❖ The virtue of keeping mosques active
Islam not only commands building mosques but also emphasizes maintaining them — meaning regular prayers, remembrance and recitation, circles of knowledge and education, and reform of the community should be established there.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(سَبْعَۃٌ یُظِلُّہُمُ اللّٰہُ فِی ظِلِّہٖ یَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلُّہُ … وَرَجُلٌ قَلْبُہُ مُعَلَّقٌ فِی الْمَسَاجِدِ)
Translation:
“Seven types of people will be given shade by Allah under His Throne, among them is the person whose heart is attached to the mosque.”
Meaning, the person who loves the mosque and keeps it thriving, on the Day of Judgment he will be under Allah’s special shade.
❖ The reward and merit of going towards the mosque
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(مَنْ تَطَہَّرَ فِی بَیْتِہِ ثُمَّ مَشٰی إِلٰی بَیْتٍ مِّنْ بُیُوْتِ اللّٰہِ … کَانَتْ خُطْوَتَاہُ إِحْدَاہُمَا تَحُطُّ خَطِیْئَۃً وَالْأُخْرٰی تَرْفَعُ دَرَجَۃً)
Translation:
“Whoever performs ablution at home and then goes to one of Allah’s houses (mosques) for prayer, for every step he takes, one sin is erased and one rank is elevated.”
❖ Those who go to the mosque in darkness
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(بَشِّرِ الْمَشَّائِیْنَ فِی الظُّلَمِ إِلَی الْمَسَاجِدِ بِالنُّوْرِ التَّامِّ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ)
Translation:
“Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in darkness that on the Day of Resurrection they will be granted complete light.”
❖ Repeatedly coming to the mosque is a testimony of faith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِذَا رَأَیْتُمُ الرَّجُلَ یَعْتَادُ الْمَسَاجِدَ فَاشْہَدُوا لَہُ بِالْإِیْمَانِ)
Translation:
“When you see a person coming and going in the mosque, testify to his faith.”
This hadith clarifies that love for the mosque is a sign of faith, and indifference towards the mosque is a sign of hypocrisy.
❖ Mosques are the homes of the pious
Allah Almighty said:
﴿ فِی بُیُوتٍ اَذِنَ اللّٰہُ اَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَیُذْکَرَ فِیْہَا اسْمُہٗ … رِجَالٌ لَا تُلْہِیْہِمْ تِجَارَۃٌ وَلَا بَیْعٌ عَنْ ذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ ﴾
Translation:
“These are the people who neither trade nor sell that which diverts them from the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and giving zakat.”
Meaning, the inhabitants of the mosque are those servants whose hearts, even when entangled in worldly affairs, do not become heedless of the remembrance of Allah.
❖ The importance and virtue of congregational prayer in the mosque
Congregational prayer holds a special status in Islam. It is not only a manifestation of unity, equality, and brotherhood among Muslims but also a sign of faith and practice. The mosque is the place where a believer humbly bows before his Lord, stands shoulder to shoulder with his brothers, and demonstrates communal worship.
❖ The command of congregational prayer in the Quran
Allah Almighty has said:
﴿ وَأَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَآتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَارْکَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاکِعِیْنَ ﴾
Translation:
“Establish prayer, give zakah, and bow down with those who bow down.”
In this verse, “bow down with those who bow down” means that prayer should be performed in congregation. This makes it clear that praying in congregation is not merely recommended but obligatory and a sign of the believers.
❖ Not coming to the mosque despite hearing the Adhan
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
(مَنْ سَمِعَ النِّدَاءَ فَلَمْ یَأْتِہِ فَلَا صَلَاۃَ لَہُ إِلَّا مِنْ عُذْرٍ)
Translation:
“Whoever hears the Adhan and does not come to the mosque, his prayer will not be accepted, except if he has a legitimate excuse.”
That is, not attending the mosque despite hearing the Adhan is considered unacceptable in the sight of the Prophet ﷺ.
❖ Incident of the blind companion
Hazrat Ibn Umm Maktum رضي الله عنه — who was a blind and elderly companion — came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
“O Messenger of Allah! My house is far, there are trees, animals, and dangers on the way, and I have no guide to take me to the mosque. May I pray at home?”
The Prophet ﷺ first gave permission, but when you ﷺ inquired:
“Do you hear the call to prayer (Adhan)?”
They said: “Yes, I hear it.”
Then you ﷺ said:
(فَأَجِبْ)
“Then respond to it — that is, come to the mosque.”
This incident is clear evidence that attending the mosque and performing congregational prayer is obligatory for the believers.
❖ The Companions’ Commitment to Prayer
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood رضي الله عنه used to say:
(وَمَا یَتَخَلَّفُ عَنْہَا إِلَّا مُنَافِقٌ مَعْلُومُ النِّفَاقِ)
Translation:
“We observed that in the time of the Prophet ﷺ, only those who were openly hypocrites stayed behind from the congregational prayer.”
He further said:
“We used to see that if a person could walk with the support of two men, he would still be brought to the mosque and made to stand in the row.”
This is clear evidence that congregational prayer is a sign of disassociation from hypocrisy.
❖ The Prophet ﷺ’s Stern Warning
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
(لَقَدْ ہَمَمْتُ أَنْ آمُرَ رَجُلًا یُّصَلِّی بِالنَّاسِ، ثُمَّ أُخَالِفَ إِلَی رِجَالٍ یَّتَخَلَّفُونَ عَنْہَا، فَأَمُرَ بِہِمْ فَیُحَرِّقُوا عَلَیْہِمْ بُیُوتَہُمْ)
Translation:
“I intended to order someone to lead the prayer, then I would go to those who do not come for prayer and set their houses on fire including them.”
This severe warning indicates how great a sin it is to abandon congregational prayer in the mosque.
❖ Spiritual Benefits of Congregational Prayer
Faith-based Unity: Congregational prayer is a practical manifestation of brotherhood, equality, and unity among Muslims.
Spiritual Training: In every prayer, a servant learns humility by bowing before his Lord.
Descent of Allah’s Mercy: During collective worship in the mosque, Allah’s mercy and tranquility descend.
Angels’ Supplication: For the one who remains seated in the mosque, the angels pray:
“اَللّٰہُمَّ ارْحَمْہُ، اَللّٰہُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَہُ، اَللّٰہُمَّ تُبْ عَلَیْہِ”
“O Allah! Have mercy on him, O Allah! Forgive him, O Allah! Turn to him with Your mercy (i.e., accept his repentance and pardon his faults).”
❖ Reward of Congregational Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(صَلَاۃُ الرَّجُلِ فِیْ جَمَاعَۃٍ تَزِیْدُ عَلٰی صَلَاَتِہٖ فِیْ بَیْتِہٖ وَسُوْقِہٖ بِضْعًا وَّعِشْرِیْنَ دَرَجَۃً)
Translation:
“Prayer in congregation is at least twenty-five times superior to the prayer performed alone at home or in the market.”
And in another narration:
“Twenty-seven degrees more reward is given.”
❖ Blessings of Teaching, Recitation of the Quran, and Remembrance of Allah in Mosques
Islam has not designated mosques solely for prayer but has made them centers of knowledge, remembrance, recitation, and reform of the community. Since the beginning of Islam, the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ was not only a place of worship but also a center for education and training, judgment and consultation, and the call to religion.
❖ The Virtue of Learning and Reciting the Quran
Hazrat Uqbah bin Amir رضي الله عنه says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to the Suffah area of the mosque one day and said:
“Who among you wishes to go every morning early to the market of Bathan or Aqeeq and obtain two fat, beautiful she-camels without any sin or severing of kinship?”
We said: “O Messenger of Allah! We all wish that.”
You ﷺ said:
(أَفَلَا یَغْدُو أَحَدُکُمْ إِلَی الْمَسْجِدِ فَیَعْلَمَ أَوْ یَقْرَأَ آیَتَیْنِ مِنْ کِتَابِ اللّٰہِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ خَیْرٌ لَہُ مِنْ نَاقَتَیْنِ …)
Translation:
“Is it not that one of you comes to the mosque in the morning and recites or learns two verses of the Quran? That is better for him than two she-camels, and three verses are better than three she-camels, and four verses are better than four she-camels.”
Meaning, learning, teaching, and reciting the Quran in the mosque is more virtuous and beneficial than worldly blessings.
❖ Quran and Knowledge Circles in the Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(مَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِی بَیْتٍ مِّنْ بُیُوْتِ اللّٰہِ یَتْلُونَ کِتَابَ اللّٰہِ وَیَتَدَارَسُونَہُ بَیْنَہُمْ، إِلَّا نَزَلَتْ عَلَیْہِمُ السَّکِیْنَۃُ، وَغَشِیَتْہُمُ الرَّحْمَۃُ، وَحَفَّتْہُمُ الْمَلَائِکَۃُ، وَذَکَرَہُمُ اللّٰہُ فِیْمَنْ عِنْدَہُ)
Translation:
“Whenever some people gather in the houses of Allah and recite the Book of Allah and learn it among themselves, tranquility descends upon them, Allah’s mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them before His special close ones.”
This hadith clarifies that circles of Quran and knowledge in the mosque become a place of special mercy from Allah.
❖ Gatherings of Remembrance and Gratitude
Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) narrates that Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) entered the mosque and saw some people sitting in a circle, remembering Allah.
He asked: “Why are you sitting?”
They said: “We are sitting here to remember Allah and to thank Him for guiding us to Islam.”
Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) said: “By Allah! Are you sitting here with only this intention?”
They said: “Yes, by Allah! Only for this reason.”
Then Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) said: “I did not consider you liars, because the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) once saw such people and asked them the same question. Then he said:”
(إِنَّہُ أَتَانِیْ جِبْرِیْلُ فَأَخْبَرَنِیْ أَنَّ اللّٰہَ یُبَاہِیْ بِکُمُ الْمَلَائِکَۃَ)
Translation:
“Jibra’il (AS) came to me and informed me that Allah Almighty is proud of you before the angels because of your remembrance and gratitude.”
That is, sitting in the mosque and remembering Allah is such a beloved act that Allah Almighty expresses pride in such people before His close angels.
❖ Acquiring religious knowledge in the mosque is the legacy of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that one day he went to the market of Madinah and said:
“What is wrong with you that you are sitting here, while the inheritance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is being distributed in the mosque?”
People asked in surprise: “Where is the inheritance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ being distributed?”
He said: “In the mosque!”
People went to the mosque, but they found no wealth or treasure there — rather some people were praying, some were reciting the Quran, and some were learning the matters of halal and haram.
They returned and said: “Abu Huraira! We did not see any wealth being distributed.”
He said:
“Woe to you! This is indeed the inheritance of Muhammad ﷺ — the knowledge of religion!”
This incident clearly shows that acquiring knowledge in the mosque is actually equivalent to partaking in the true inheritance of the Prophet ﷺ.
❖ Making mosques centers of knowledge and guidance
Establishing circles for Quranic and Hadith lessons, jurisprudential education, and reformative training in mosques not only keeps the mosques vibrant but also protects society from misguidance and enlightens it with guidance.
This is the reason why the invitation of Islam spread from the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ to every corner of the world, and the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, made mosques in their respective areas centers of education and training.
❖ Etiquettes and Shariah rulings of mosques
Allah Almighty has designated mosques for His worship, remembrance, recitation, and religious education. Therefore, it is obligatory upon every Muslim to respect their etiquettes, ensure their cleanliness and sanctity, and avoid actions that contradict their sanctity.
The Quran and Sunnah have taught us clear principles regarding coming to mosques, staying there, worshiping, and respecting the rights of others.
❖ Cleanliness and fragrance of the mosque
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللّٰہِ ﷺ بِبِنَاءِ الْمَسَاجِدِ فِی الدُّوْرِ وَأَنْ تُنَظَّفَ وَتُطَیَّبَ)
Translation:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded that mosques be built in neighborhoods, kept clean, and made fragrant.”
Since the mosque is the house of Allah, it has the greatest right to cleanliness and purity.
❀ The Virtue of Those Who Clean the Mosque
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that a black woman used to clean the mosque. When she passed away, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not informed. He (PBUH) inquired:
“Why did you not inform me? Show me her grave.”
Then the Prophet (PBUH) went to her grave and performed the funeral prayer for her.
This incident shows how great the act of serving and cleaning the mosque is in the sight of Allah, that the Prophet (PBUH) went to the grave of this humble servant and prayed for her.
❖ Keeping the Mosque Free from Dirt and Impurity
It is narrated from Hazrat Anas (RA):
A villager came to the mosque and started urinating inside it. When the companions (RA) rushed towards him angrily, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
(لَا تُزْرِمُوہُ، دَعُوہُ)
“Do not stop him, leave him.”
Then when he finished, the Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِنَّ ہٰذِہِ الْمَسَاجِدَ لَا تَصْلُحُ لِشَیْءٍ مِّنْ ہٰذَا الْبَوْلِ وَلَا الْقَذَرِ، إِنَّمَا ہِیَ لِذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ وَالصَّلَاۃِ وَقِرَاءَۃِ الْقُرْآنِ)
Translation:
“These mosques are not built for urination and filth, but for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and recitation of the Quran.”
Then the Prophet ﷺ ordered water to be poured there.
❖ It is forbidden to come to the mosque after eating foul-smelling things
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(مَنْ أَكَلَ ثَوْمًا أَوْ بَصَلًا فَلْیَعْتَزِلْنَا، أَوْ لِیَعْتَزِلْ مَسْجِدَنَا)
Translation:
“Whoever has eaten garlic or onion should keep away from us or not come to our mosque.”
In another narration it is said:
“The angels are also harmed by the same things that harm humans.”
Meaning, one should not come to the mosque after eating anything that causes bad odor or discomfort to others.
❖ Wearing neat and clean clothes in the mosque
Allah Almighty said:
﴿ یٰبَنِیْ آدَمَ خُذُوْا زِیْنَتَکُمْ عِنْدَ کُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ ﴾
Translation:
“O children of Adam! Wear your adornment at every mosque (i.e., wear good clothes).”
Coming to the mosque at the time of prayer wearing dirty, sweaty, or incomplete clothing is disrespectful. The Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِذَا صَلَّی أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْیَلْبَسْ ثَوْبَیْہِ، فَإِنَّ اللّٰہَ أَحَقُّ أَنْ یُتَزَیَّنَ لَہُ)
“When any one of you prays, he should wear complete clothes, because Allah is more deserving that He be adorned for.”
❖ Etiquettes of entering and leaving the mosque
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه says:
“It is among the Sunnahs of the Prophet ﷺ that when entering the mosque, one should put the right foot in first, and when leaving, put the left foot out first.”
Masnoon Supplication:
When entering the mosque:
“اَللّٰهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ”
“O Allah! Open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
When leaving the mosque:
“اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ”
“O Allah! I ask You for Your bounty.”
❖ Performing Tahiyyatul Masjid (Greeting the Mosque Prayer)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(إِذَا دَخَلَ أَحَدُكُمُ الْمَسْجِدَ فَلَا یَجْلِسْ حَتَّى یُصَلِّيَ رَكْعَتَیْنِ)
“When any one of you enters the mosque, he should pray two rak’ahs (Tahiyyatul Masjid) before sitting.”
This prayer is an expression of respect for the mosque and the spirit of servitude. If a person joins the congregation of the obligatory prayer, that prayer will serve as a substitute for the greeting of the mosque (Tahiyyat al-Masjid) for him.
❖ Prohibited matters and additional etiquettes in the mosque
Mosques are the houses of Allah, where a servant is close to his Lord. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid all actions there that affect the spirituality, sanctity, or tranquility of the mosque. The Noble Prophet ﷺ explained the etiquettes of the mosque in numerous hadiths and forbade those actions that are against its sanctity.
❖ Passing in front of a person praying is prohibited
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(لَوْ یَعْلَمُ الْمَارُّ بَیْنَ یَدَیِ الْمُصَلِّی مَاذَا عَلَیْہِ، لَکَانَ أَنْ یَقِفَ أَرْبَعِیْنَ خَیْرًا لَہُ مِنْ أَنْ یَمُرَّ بَیْنَ یَدَیْہِ)
Translation:
“If the one who passes in front of a person praying knew how great a sin it is, he would consider standing still for forty (days or years) better than passing in front of the praying person.”
There should be a barrier or screen (Sitr) in front of the person praying so that no one passes in front of him.
❖ Praying in front of a barrier (Sitr)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْیُصَلِّ إِلَى سُتْرَةٍ وَلْیَدْنُ مِنْهَا)
Translation:
“When any one of you wants to pray, let him face a sutrah (barrier) and stand close to it.”
A sutrah can be a wall, pillar, chair, or a person standing in front.
❖ Buying and selling is prohibited in the mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(إِذَا رَأَیْتُمْ مَنْ یَبِیْعُ أَوْ یَبْتَاعُ فِی الْمَسْجِدِ، فَقُولُوا: لَا أَرْبَحَ اللّٰہُ تِجَارَتَکَ)
Translation:
“When you see someone buying or selling in the mosque, say: May Allah not bless your trade.”
The mosque is for worship and remembrance, not for trade and business.
❖ Announcing lost items in the mosque is forbidden
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(مَنْ سَمِعَ رَجُلًا یَنْشُدُ ضَالَّةً فِی الْمَسْجِدِ فَلْیَقُلْ: لَا رَدَّهَا اللّٰہُ عَلَیْكَ، فَإِنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لَمْ تُبْنَ لِهٰذَا)
Translation:
“Whoever hears a person announcing his lost item in the mosque should say: May Allah not return it to you, for mosques were not built for this purpose.”
❖ Raising voice in the mosque
The Prophet ﷺ was in I’tikaf in the mosque. Some people started reciting loudly, so the Prophet ﷺ said:
(أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّكُمْ مُنَاجٍ رَبَّهُ، فَلَا یُؤْذِیَنَّ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا، وَلَا یَرْفَعْ بَعْضُكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِی الْقِرَاءَةِ)
Translation:
“Remember! Each one of you is conversing privately with his Lord, so do not harm one another, and do not raise your voices above each other in recitation.”
Meaning, noise, shouting, or speaking loudly in the mosque is disliked.
❖ It is forbidden to leave the mosque after the Adhan
Abu Al-Sha’tha رضي الله عنه narrates that we were sitting in the mosque with Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه, the Adhan was called, and a person left the mosque. Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه said:
(أَمَّا هٰذَا فَقَدْ عَصَى أَبَا الْقَاسِمِ ﷺ)
Translation:
“That person has disobeyed Abu Al-Qasim (the Prophet ﷺ).”
Meaning, leaving the mosque after the Adhan is disrespectful and against the Sunnah.
❖ Etiquettes of the mosque for women
Women are permitted to come to the mosque, but the condition is that they come with complete hijab and avoid using perfume.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(لَا تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللّٰہِ مَسَاجِدَ اللّٰہِ، وَلَكِنْ بُیُوتُهُنَّ خَیْرٌ لَهُنَّ)
Translation:
“Do not prevent Allah’s servants from coming to the mosque, but their homes are better for them.”
And He said:
(أَیُّمَا امْرَأَةٍ أَصَابَتْ بَخُورًا فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَنَا الْعِشَاءَ الْآخِرَةَ)
Translation:
“A woman who applies perfume and comes, should not pray the Isha prayer with us.”
❖ Performing Nafl prayers at home is better than in the mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(فَصَلُّوا أَیُّهَا النَّاسُ فِی بُیُوتِكُمْ، فَإِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الصَّلَاةِ صَلَاةُ الْمَرْءِ فِی بَیْتِهِ إِلَّا الْمَكْتُوبَةَ)
Translation:
“O people! Also pray some of your prayers at home, because the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the one a person prays in his home.”
❖ Do not turn the mosque into a graveyard
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(اجْعَلُوا فِی بُیُوتِكُمْ مِنْ صَلَاتِكُمْ، وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوهَا قُبُورًا)
“Keep a share of prayer in your homes as well and do not turn them into graveyards.”
Meaning, performing Nafl prayers at home brings blessings and freshness of faith to the home.
🌷 Conclusion
Mosques are essentially regarded as the houses of Allah on earth.
They are the peace of the hearts of the believers, the center of souls, and a symbol of the unity of the Ummah. Whoever loves the mosques, Allah loves him, and whoever revives the mosques, in fact, keeps his faith alive.
The honor, spirituality, and unity of Muslims are connected to the mosque.
The heart that is attached to the mosques is illuminated with faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
(مَنْ بَنَى لِلّٰہِ مَسْجِدًا بَنَى اللّٰہُ لَهُ بَیْتًا فِی الْجَنَّةِ)
Translation:
“Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise.”
Therefore, we should:
❀ Participate in the construction and revival of mosques.
❀ Observe congregational prayers regularly.
❀ Consider the etiquettes and sanctity of the mosque obligatory.
❀ Keep the mosque alive as a center of knowledge and remembrance.
If the Muslim Ummah revives its mosques, surely the freshness of faith, elevation of morals, and the scene of the unity of the Ummah will be revived once again.
