Friday Reminder: Etiquettes within the Houses of Allaah (first half)

Every Muslim is aware of the sacredness of the Houses of Allah. The Masjid was from the first matters of importance that the Prophet Mohammed (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) attended to upon his arrival in Madinah. It is the place where the Muslims (males) meet on a daily basis to establish the second pillar of the religion of Islam. It is the place where knowledge and wisdom is disbursed and spread from. It is the place where the Muslims receive their weekly reminders (Friday sermons) concerning their obligations to Allah, to themselves, to their families, and to the rest of creation.

The Houses of Allah contain all the above mentioned merits and endless more. With this being the case, we felt the need to remind ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Islam of some of the etiquettes and rulings pertaining to attending the Masjid (Mosque). We should keep in mind, they are the Houses of Allah, and although He -The Mighty and Majestic – is far above dwelling in them, rather, they are built and constructed for the sole purpose of worshipping Him, and therefore they should be treated with due respect and reverence by those attending them.

With this purpose in mind we have compiled this brief, summarized reminder related to some of the etiquettes for attending the Houses of Allah. We pray and hope this humble work benefits the Muslim communities and serves as a reminder for those who have possibly forgotten the sacredness of the Masjid.[1]

Merits and Importance of the Masjid

The Houses of Allah contain merits and blessings that are not present in any other structure upon the face of the earth. These merits and blessings are so numerous, that they are not confined to merely entering the Masjid, but even before one does so, if he has the intention of going to the Masjid, he begins to reap the blessings from the very moment he leaves his own home! The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Whoever goes to the Masjid, Allah will prepare a place for him in Paradise, every time he goes to the Masjid.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

He also said:

“Whoever performs wudoo (ablution) in his home, then leaves to the Masjid for the purpose of performing an obligatory prayer, his steps will be a means of expiation for his sins. One step will remove a sin, while the other will gain him an increase in reward.” (Sahih Muslim)

It likewise took place during the time of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that

An individual lived a far distance, but he was very diligent in performing the congregational prayers in the Masjid. Some people mentioned to him: Why don’t you purchase a donkey, so that you may ride it (to the Masjid), especially during the night and during severe heat? He responded: I do not wish to do so. I hope that my footsteps to the Masjid are recorded (as good deeds), and also my footsteps while returning to my family are likewise recorded. Upon hearing this, the Prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Allah has recorded both for you. (Sahih Muslim)

With regards to the merits obtained after entering the Masjid, the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“The Angels continue to supplicate for the individual who remains in the Masjid that he has prayed in, as long as he does not pass wind. The Angels say: Oh Allah forgive him!, Oh Allah have mercy on him!” (Sahih Bukhari)

The importance of the masjid is also known by the disbelievers. If one were to read into the history of the battle between the Islamic lands and the Catholics, one would find, even up until this very day, whenever the disbelievers seek to invade or fight a Muslim country; one of the first places intended with destruction is the masjid. This is because the disbelievers are well aware of the importance of the masjid in uniting and teaching the Muslim community.

Before Entering the Masjid

1. The Muslim should keep in mind that the sole purpose of the masjid is the worship of Allah. With this being the case, it is befitting that the person establishes the correct intention before entering this house of worship.

Allah – The Mighty and Majestic – mentioned in His Glorious Book the affair of the masjid, He said:

{In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised, in them His Name is remembered. Those who are present glorify Him in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.} Surah al Nur:36

The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) mentioned concerning the masjid:

“Indeed the Houses of Allah were built for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and recitation of the Quran.” (Sahih Muslim)

Therefore it is incumbent upon the Muslim to realize that the purpose of the masjid is not for social gatherings and conversation, but rather it is a place designated by our Lord – The Most High – for the establishment of His worship, the mention of His Name, and the recitation of His Book. The person who enters the masjid and then leaves should feel an actual spiritual uplift. After leaving the masjid, his level of eeman (faith) and taqwa (piety) should be on a higher level than when he first entered. Allah – The Mighty and Majestic – mentioned in His Glorious Book:

{Indeed prayer prevents evil and disliked deeds.}

Surah al Ankabut:45

2. It is mandatory for the person who wishes to attend the masjid to make certain that he does not possess an offending odor. This is based on the statement of Allah in the Quran:

{Oh children of Adam! Take your adornment while attending the masjid (prayer)}

Surah al ‘Araaf:31

Also the statement of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

“Whoever eats garlic or onions should not attend the masjid.” 

(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

The above mentioned proofs inform that it is mandatory upon the Muslim to make certain that he does not offend others with bodily odor while attending the masjid, and therefore, one should try his very best to clean himself before attending prayer in the Houses of Allah. The scholars of Islam also inform that the above prohibition applies even more so to smoking, due to the appalling smell which remains for a substantial amount of time on the smoker. This smell undeniably causes harm and affects other worshippers in the masjid, and it likewise harms the Angels. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Indeed the Angels are harmed by that which the children of Adam (humans) are harmed by.” (Sahih Muslim)

3. While heading toward the masjid, the person should not rush and run, but rather he should take his time. This is based on the statement of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

“If you hear the call to prayer you should walk to the masjid in a calm, peaceful manner, and do not rush. Whatever you catch (from the prayer), then pray, and whatever you have missed, you should complete it.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

via salaf-us-saalih.com by Mustafa George DeBerry (hafidhUllaah)..