Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Etiquette at the Masjid

The Etiquette At The Masjid


In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālameen. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.

The Masjid is a sacred house, the Symbols of Allāh and the most vital to Muslim society. It is frequented place of Muslims where they meet one another daily not to perform the Solāt only but also for other acts of worship and activities that are beneficial for the Muslim community. As the Masajid are Allāh's Houses, Allāh Says: “And the masājid are for Allāh (Alone)…” [Al-Jinn, 72:18] and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) laid the etiquette and rules that should be learned and upheld by every Muslim. Muslims to uphold these rules so as to guarantee the respect and order in Masajid that befits its roles as it was designed for.

1- Undesirability Of Entering The Masjid with Smelly Mouth

‘Abdullāh Ibn 'Umar (radiyallāhu’anhum) saidThe Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "He who has eaten garlic should not come to our mosque." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration in Muslim is: "He who has eaten garlic should not come to our mosques."

Anas bin Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "He who has eaten from this plant (i.e., garlic) should not approach us and should not offer Solāt (prayer) along with us." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Jabir bin ‘Abdullāh (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "He who has eaten garlic or onion should keep away from us or our mosques." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever eats garlic, onion, then keeps away from our Masjid because the angels get offended from what offends the children of Adam.” [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

It is not permissible to eat raw onions, garlic or anything with a strong offending smell before going to the mosque. It is permissible, however, to eat them after their strong odour has vanished as a result of cooking or boiling. Since their odour vanishes after cooking, their use is permissible in cooked form.

It has been narrated that ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu) said in the sermon of Friday prayer: “O you people! You eat garlic and onion. I think the odour of these to be very offensive. I saw that if the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) happened to find a man with such offensive odour in the mosque, he would order him to be taken out of the mosque and sent to Al-Baqi'. He, who wants to eat any of these, should cook them till their odour dies out.” [Muslim].

Khabith generally means impure, base and wicked, but it is also used in the sense of Haram (unlawful), that is for eatables which are forbidden or which have an unpleasant and disgusting smell. Garlic, onion etc., are Khabith in their raw form and Muslims have been prohibited from going to the mosque after eating them. One can, however, eat them in their cooked form. One can also use them when the time to go to mosque for Solāt is not very near. We also learn from this Hadith that one should not eat any such odorous thing when he has to go to the mosque or Madrasah or any congregation for some religious purpose because it will be repulsive for the people present there. Their eating is, however, permissible even in their raw form, if one is not going to the mosque for Solāt.

 We also learn from this Hadith that mosques should be kept free from every kind of filth and odorous things. There is no justification for the construction of toilets in the premises of mosque. Mosques which have toilets within their compounds must be divested of the toilets to purge them of the unclean environments.

Thus Muslims should avoid everything that has an offensive smell like garlic, onion, or smoking. And the Muslim should wear clean clothes and socks when he comes to the Masjid so that he does not offend any of the angels or Muslims around him with an offensive smell.

2- Women Entering Masjid Should Not Put On Perfume, Adornment Or Make-Up

As for women entering the masjid they should not put on perfume, adornment or make-up. Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not prevent the female servants of Allāh from going to the mosques of Allāh, but let them go out not wearing perfume.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud, 565; classified as sahih]

3 - Dress Well For Solāh Al-Jumu’ah

Al-Jumu’ah is a special occasion, thus one should dress well for Solāh Al-Jumu`ah. It requires Muslims to appear in the best manner possible; therefore one should put on his best attire for Solāh Al-Jumu`ah.

Allāh Says: “O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allāh loveth not the wasters.” [Al-A'raf, 7:31]

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If one has the means, he should buy two pieces of clothing, other than his work clothes or [everyday clothing], to wear on Friday.” [Abu Dawud]

4 - Pronounce A Supplication When Entering The Masjid.

It is Sunnah for the Muslim, when he leaves his house and heads towards the masjid, to recite the du’a for walking to the masjid. ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Abbās (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “… Then the mu’azzin gave the call to Solāh (Adzān), and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came out, saying, ‘Allāhumma aj ‘al fi qalbi nūran wa fi lisāni nuran waj ‘al fi sam ‘ie nūran waj ‘al fi basari nūran waj ‘al min khalfi nūran wa min amāmi nūran waj ‘al min fawqi nūran wa min tahti nūran, Allāhummah a’tini nūran’.” (O Allāh, place with my heart light, and upon my tongue light, and within my ears light and within my eyes light, and place behind me light and in front of me light and above me light and beneath me light, O Allāh, bestow upon me light).  [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri, Muslim, 763.]

5 - Enter the Masjid with His Right Foot First and Recite the Salutation.

One should enter the Masjid with his right foot first, and then say  a du‘ā as  reported by Abu Humaid (radiyallāhu’anhum) who said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)said: “When any one of you enters the masjid, let him say:  “Allāhumma iftah li abwa ab rahmatik” (O Allāh, open to me the gates of Your mercy), and when he leaves let him say,  “Allāhumma inni as ‘aluka min fadlika” (O Allāh, I ask You of Your bounty). [Narrated by Muslim, 713]

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to like to start with his right in everything.

But Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When any one of you enters the masjid, let him send blessings upon the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and say, “Allāhumma iftah li abwāb rahmatika” (O Allāh, open to me the gates of Your mercy). And when he leaves let him send blessings upon the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and say, “Allāhumma isimni minas Syaitānir-rajīm” (O Allāh, protect me from the accursed Syaitān). [Narrated by Ibn Majah, 773; classified sahih]

It was reported that “Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) used to step with his right foot first when he entered the Masjid, and step out with his left foot first when he walked out of the Masjid.”

If there is a group of people who want to enter the Masjid at the same time, then the one on the right should go in first to uphold the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) [Al-Bukhāri]

6 - Walking Solemnly To The Masjid To Perform Solāh

In any circumstances Allāh considers whosoever honours the Symbols of Allāh, are truly those piety of the heart. Allāh, the Exalted, says:

"And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allāh, indeed it is truly from the piety of the heart." (Al-Hajj, 22:32)

 Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying, "When the Iqāmah are pronounced, does not come to it running, you should walk calmly with tranquility to join the congregation. Then join in what you catch for and complete what you missed."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In Sahih Muslim it is added: Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "For when one of you is walking for Solāt, he is, in fact, engaged in Solāt."

The Hadiths emphasizes three points:

Firstly, we are prevented from running or walking hurriedly in order to join a congregational prayer because this is undignified. One should remain calm and composed because the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade running in such a situation. Allāh considers whosoever honours the Symbols of Allāh, are truly those piety of the heart. In fact we are commanded to be self-composed and dignified with regard to all matters.

Secondly, when a believer walks up to the mosque after performing ablution at home, he is considered to be in a state of Solāt.

Thirdly, the first rak'ah he prays behind the Imām will be counted his first rak’ah, so he must make up for the rak'ah he may have missed, if any, after the Imām has concluded his Solāt.

7 - Confer Salām To The People As He Enters The Masjid, Even If The People Are Praying.

It is because the companions used to offer Salām to Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) while he is in his prayer, and he used to reply with a hand gesture. There are many Ahādith about that, among which reported that Shu’aib (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: "I passed by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) while he was praying and gave Salām to him, he replied to me with a gesture." Ibn Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) asked Bilal bin Rabab (radiyallāhu’anhu): How did you see the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) reply to them (his companions) when they gave Salām to him while he was engaged in Solāh?" Bilal bin Rabah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: "By spreading his palm." [Narrated Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

8 - Filling the Front Rows and the Virtues of Being in the First Row in Solāh

Muslims are urged to fill the front rows of the Masjid in particular the first row in order to get great rewards.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) urged the ummah to fill the front rows of the Masjid. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) noticed his Companions going to the back rows, and Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Come close and follow me and let those behind follow you. People will continue going to the back until Allāh will put them in the back” [Muslim, An-Nasā’ie, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Mājah].


Allāh Almighty would send down blessings upon the first row. In the narration from Abu Umamah (radiyallāhu’anhu) the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allāh and the angels send down blessings upon the first row.” The people inquired, “O Messenger of Allāh, and upon the second row?” The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) again said, “Allāh and the angels send down blessings upon the first row.” The people asked again, “O Messenger of Allāh, and upon the second row?” Finally Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “And upon the second row.” [Ahmad and At-Tabarāni]

If the people knew what was in the Adzān and the first row (of the Solāh in virtue), and that they could not get it save by drawing lots. Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: If the people knew what was in the Adzān and the first row (of the Solāh in virtue), and that they could not get it save by drawing lots, they would draw lots. If they knew the reward for praying the noon Solāh early in its time, they would race to it. And if they knew the reward for the night and the morning Solāh in congregation, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari and others)

Allāh would send down blessings upon those who perform Solāh on the right side of the rows ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allāh and His angels send down blessings upon those who perform Solāh on the right side of the rows” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Mājah].
9 - Placing a Sutrah In Front.

The Muslim should place something in front of him during prayer as a barrier between him and the passersby in front of him, and that he gets closer to it as the Prophet used to do. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If you observe solāh, then solāh toward sutrah (some barrier) and get closer to it.” [Al-Baihaqi]  So, if you enter the Masjid and want to Solāh, then get closer to the wall directing the Qiblah so much that there is just enough room between you and the wall to pray. If you prostrate, there should be no room between your prostration spot and the wall more than a sheep could pass. It was reported that: “Between the place of his prostration (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and the wall there was no room more than sheep pass.” [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim] In another Hadith reported “When the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed his Solāh, he leaves between him and the wall three arm lengths.” [Al-Bukhāri]

If you find people already at the wall of the Qiblāh, then pray behind one of them because he will be as a sutrah for you like the companions used to do.

10 - Prohibition Of Passes In Front Of A Person Observing Solāh.

1758. Abul-Juhaim ‘Abdullāh bin Al-Harith (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "If the person who passes in front of a praying person, realizes the enormity of the sinfulness of this act, it will have been better for him to wait forty [years] than to pass in front of him." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

[The narrator was not sure whether the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said forty days, months or years.]

We learn from this Hadith that it is a great sin to pass before a person who is offering Solāt. People should also take care that they do not offer Solāt without placing a Sutrah in front of them. A Sutrah refers to anything that a person sets up in front of him; this could be a stick, another person praying in front of him or even a line which he can draw on the ground. The distance between the person offering his Solāt and the Sutrah should not be more than approximately one meter and a half. If the distance is longer than this, then it is not unlawful to pass before someone offering Solāt.

11 - It Is Prohibited Stepping Over Others Sitting In The Masjid
The prohibition is deriving from a hadith of ‘Abdullāh Ibn Busar (radiyallāhu`anhu), who said: A man came and started stepping over the people one Friday when the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was delivering the khutbah, and the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: “Sit down, for you have annoyed (people).”

[Abu Dawud (1118) and Ibn Majah (1115); Classified as sahih by al-Albāni in Sahih Abi Dawud.]

In this hadith there is a prohibition on stepping over people when coming to Solāh al-Jumu`ah (Friday Prayer).

There are to views held by the scholars concerning the matter of Stepping over Others sitting in the Masjid. One is makruh and the other is harām.

At-Tirmidzi (rahimahullāh) said: “This is what is to be followed according to the scholars. They regarded it as makruh for a man to step over people on Friday, and they were very strict with regard to that.”

Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullāh) said: “The majority is of the view that it is makruh in the sense that it is better not to do it. This is the well-known view of the Shafi`ies and is the view of the Hanbalis.” [See: Fathul-Bāri, 2/392; Kashshaf Al-Qina’, 2/44; Al-Majmu’, 4/466]

Imām Mālik and Al-Awza’ held it is makruh stepping over others sitting in the Masjid when the Khatib is on the minbar. Imām Mālik: “It is makruh to step over people when the imām has come out and has sat on the minbarWhoever steps over people then is the one of whom the hadith speaks. But before that there is nothing wrong with it if there is a gap in front of him, but he should be polite in doing it.”  [‘Al-Mudawwanah (1/159

A number of scholars view on the matter is regarded as more likely to be more correct, such as Ibn Al-Mundhir, Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr, An-Nawawi, and Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimiyyah(rahimahullāh), as stated in ‘Al-Ikhtiyarat Al-Fiqhiyyah, p. 81’, and others.

Ibn Al-Mundhir (rahimahullāh) said, explaining the reason why he said it is harām: “It is because causing annoyance is harām, whether it is a little or a lot, and this is causing annoyance, as it says in the sahih hadith in which the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) said to one whom he saw stepping over people: ‘Sit down, for you are causing annoyance’.” [Al-Majmu’, 4/467]

Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr (rahimahullāh) said: “The words of the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to the one who was stepping over people on a Friday, “You are causing annoyance,” indicate that stepping over people is an annoyance, and it is not permissible to annoy a Muslim under any circumstances, on Friday or at any other time.” [Al-Tamhid (1/316)]

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said: “The favoured view is that stepping over people is harām, because of the hadith on this issue.” [Rawdat al-Talibin (11/224)]

A contemporary scholar Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullāh) held: “Stepping over people is harām during the khutbah and at other times, because the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to a man whom he saw stepping over people: “Sit down, for you are causing annoyance.” That is even more forbidden if it happens during the khutbah, because it is causing annoyance to people and distracting them from listening to the khutbah, even if he is moving towards a gap.” [Fatāwa Wa Rasā’il al-Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, (16/147)]

12 - Observe Solāh Tahiyatul Masjid before Sitting.

When one enters the masjid, he should not sit down until he observed two rak’at solāh to “Greet the Masjid”.  Abu Qatadah Al-Sulami (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When any one of you enters the masjid, let him observe Solāh two raka`at before he sits down.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 443; Muslim, 714]

Then one should make the intention of I’tikaf

13 - Perform Dzikirullāh While Sitting (I’ktikaf) In the Masjid.

The Muslim should keep himself busy supplicating and remembering Allāh Subhānahu Wata’āla while he is sitting in the Masjid, because he is in the prayer while in waiting for the solāh.

14 - The Muslim Should Sit Where He Finds A Place In The Masjid.

The Muslim should not skip people or squeeze himself between two people who are already sitting. This is tantamount to disturbing and distracting others who are observing the I’tikaf and worshipping Allāh (such as observing solāh, reciting Al-Qurān or dzikir). Many Ahādith conveyed this meaning.

15 -Prohibition Of Offering Nawafil Solāh When Iqāmah Is Called

 Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the Iqāmah is called, no prayer should be performed except the obligatory solāt.” [Muslim].

When the Iqāmah has been announced (prescribed recitation at the commencement of Solāt when offered in congregation, after the worshippers have taken up that position), it is not permissible to offer any other prayer - whether it is Sunnah or Nafil. If a person has already started any, he should break it to join the congregation. He should offer the Salāt which he terminated after the obligatory Solāt offered in congregation. It is against this Hadith to continue Nafil Salāt or Sunnah when the worshippers have taken the position to offer Solāt in congregation and Iqāmah has been called. Some scholars are of the opinion that one can continue the performance of Sunnah Fajr, even after the congregational Solāt has started. They have taken the plea that if there is no risk of losing the first Rak’ah, it is permissible to continue the Sunnah of Fajr prayer. Their plea is against the present Hadith. It is a common feature to see the worshippers offering Sunnah during the course of Fajr prayer offered in congregation. Thus in practice, the Sunnah of the Solah Fajr is continued regardless of this stipulation. In any case, this practice is totally against the injunctions contained in this Hadith.
16 - One Should Not Distract Others In The Masjid.

It is because the Muslim who is performing solāh is in contact with Allāh Subhanahu wata`ala so he should not be distracted not even with reciting loud Al-Qurān, making supplication, or remembrance of Allāh(Dzikir). Imām Ahmad (rahimahullāh) reported ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw some people were observing solāh, and they became loud in their prayer. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The person observing solāh is in contact with his Lord, so let him concentrate on whom he is in contact with, and do not raise your voices over one another with the reiteration of Al-Qurān.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, 1332: sahih]

Muslims should beware of doing anything that may offend or disturb those who come to the masjid for worship. This includes disturbing those who are reading Qur`an, observing solāh or dzikirullāh in the masjid.

It is an evil deed (sayyi’ah) to disturb the people in the masjid by talking about worldly affairs, because this is offensive to them and distracts Muslims from doing acts of worship properly. Disturbing others is not allowed, even if it takes the form of reading Qurān, more so if it takes other forms.

Ahmad Ibn Shu’aib An-Nasā’ie narrated in his ‘Al-Sunan Al-Kubra (5/32)’ under the heading “Dzikir Qawl Al-Nabi (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), Lāyajhar ba’dukam ‘ala ba’din fi’l-Qurān (Mentioning the statement of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam): ‘None of you should compete with one another in reciting Qurān loudly)’.” 

A report from Abu Hazim Al-Timar from Al-Bayadi, who reported: The Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was I’tikaf, [draw his curtain of his cube] and found the people observing solāh and [some] reciting [Al-Qurān] in loud voices. Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The one who is performing Solāh is conversing with his Lord, so let him think about what he is saying to Him. Do not compete with one another in reciting Qur`an loudly.”

Ibn Muhairiz (radiyallāhu’anhu) was reported to have said: “Speaking in the masjid is idle talk, except for one who is praying, or remembering his Lord, or asking for help or giving help.” [Musannaf `Abd al-Razzaq, part 8, Babb Kalam ‘Ikrimah]

It is not permissible of raising voices while talking when Muslims are performing Solāh. It was reported that As-Sa’ib (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “I was in the Masjid, and a man called me, I turned to him and there was ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu). And he said: “Bring me these two men”, then I brought them to him. ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) asked: “Where are you from? They replied from the people of At-Ta`if. He said: “If you were from the people of Al-Madinah, I would have hurt you because you raised your voices in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam).” [Bukhari].

17 - Prohibition Of Raising The Head Before The Imam

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "Does he who raises up his head before the Imam not fear that Allāh will make his head that of a donkey or make his appearance similar to that of donkey?"[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has a stern warning for those who take precedence over the Imam in the course of Solāt. The faces of such will be turned by Allāh into those of donkeys, and that is least difficult for Him. Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami (rahimallāh) mentioned in his Al-Mu'jam that some people's faces have really been turned into those of donkeys. It is, therefore, essential for everyone who offers Solāt in congregation, to follow the actions of Imām in Solāt. To do anything before the Imam in the course of Solāt, is a great sin and some scholars hold that such Solāt is valid but the one who does so will be deemed sinful. Imām Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, however, regards this Solāt as invalid.

18 – Regarding Reserving A Spot In The Masjid

The scholars held that it is permissible for one who is in the masjid to put his ‘prayer mat’ etc in his spot, and to sleep at the back of the masjid, or doing something else and then comes back to his spot, even if it is in the first row, so long as the Iqāmah for solāh has not been called. If the iqāmah for solāh has been called and he is not there, then he has no right to the spot and his solāh’s mat should be taken away. Similarly, if he goes out of the masjid for some reason, taking wudhu’ and then comes back, he has more right to the spot. But if the reason is no longer present, and he is careless and comes back late, then he has no right to it. The evidence regarding this is the hadith from Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) which the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever gets up from his place then comes back to it has more right to it.” [Muslim (3179)]

Ibn Qudāmah (rahimullāh) said: “If he sits in a place, then he leaves it because he wants to do something or he needs to do wudhu’, he may leave… If he gets up and leaves his spot then comes back, he has more right to it, because as narrated the (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever gets up from his place then comes back to it, has more right to it.’”(Muslim (3179)) [Al-Mughni (2/101)]

It also says: “The one who comes back shortly after leaving for a reason such as wudhū’ he has more right to the place where he was before than anyone else. If someone else has sat there, he has the right to make him get up. In ‘Al-Wajeez’ this was limited to cases where he comes back straightaway and is not distracted by anything else.” [Matalib ūli al-Nuha fi Sharh Ghayat al-Muntaha (1/786)]

19- Prohibition of Solat at a Fixed Place in the Masjid except  the Imām.

'Abdurrahman Ibn Shabl (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “The Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited pecking like a crow [i.e., while prostrating], imitating a lion's manner of sitting and a man to pick a special place in the masjis [to pray] like a camel has his own place [to sit].” This is recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban, and by al-Hākim who calls it sahih.


20 - Prohibition of Sitting With Erecting Leg During The Khutbah in the Masjid

Mu'adz bin Anas Al-Juhani (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade (us) from sitting with our legs drawn up to our belly (Ihtiba') during the Friday Khutbah (religious sermon before the prayer).

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary: Habut is the root word of Ihtiba' which means to sit in such a position that the two knees are joined by means of the hand or some cloth with one's belly. To sit in this style during the Friday sermon is not desirable because it causes drowsiness which in turn interrupts the sermon. It must be remembered that listening to the Friday sermon is obligatory and drowsiness during the course of the sermon is likely to disturb it and can also spoil Wudhu' which is a prerequisite for the validation of Solāt.

21 - Prohibition Of Spitting In The Masjid

Anas bin Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "Spitting in the mosque is a sin, and its expiation is that the spittle should be buried in earth." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: To atone for spitting in the mosque, one should bury the spittle in earth, but this applies when the floor of the mosque is covered with earth; as this is not the case today, one should wipe the spittle off or wash it off with clean water.

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw spittle or snot or sputum, sticking to the wall towards Qiblah and scratched it off. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The narrator of this Hadith has expressed doubt about the exact nature of the filth, whether it was spittle, or phlegm or something else. Whatever it was, apparently it was dry. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) scraped or rubbed it out and thus gave an important lesson of cleanliness to his Ummah.

Anas bin Malik(radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "It is not proper to use the mosque for urinating or easing oneself. They are merely built for the remembrance of Allāh and the recitation of the Qurān", or as he stated. [Muslim].

Commentary:

1. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said this on the urination of a bedouin in the mosque. He made him understand very politely and prudently that mosques are meant for worship, remembrance of Allāh, recitation of the Qurān and similar other acts of piety and one should not do anything that violates their sanctity.

2. The narrator has added the words "or as he stated". It was a practice with the narrators of Ahadith to say these words by way of care to cover the risk of any change in the Hadith wording.

22 - The Muslim Should Keep The Masjid Clean And In Good Shape Because It Is The House Of Allāh.

The companions of Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used keep the Masjid clean. ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) used to put perfume inside the Masjid when ‘Umar  Ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu) sat on the Minbar to deliver Friday Khutbah. [Abu Dawud]

It was narrated that ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded that masajid should be built in every neighborhood, and that they should be cleaned and perfumed.”[Abu Dawud (455); sahih]

The companions of Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used keep the Masjid clean. ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) used to put perfume inside the Masjid when ‘Umar (radhiyallāhu`anhu) sat on the Minbar to deliver Friday Khutbah. [Abu Dawud]

It was narrated that ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded that masajid should be built in every neighborhood, and that they should be cleaned and perfumed.”[Abu Dawud (455); sahih]

23 - Prohibition of Quarrelling, Raising the Voice All Selling And Buying Transactions in the Mosque.

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "If anyone hears a man inquiring in the mosque about something he has lost, he should say: 'La raddaha Allāhu 'alaika (May Allāh not restore it to you),' for mosques are not built for this purpose." [Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "When you see someone buying or selling in the masjid, say to him: 'La arbaha-Allāhu tijarataka (May Allāh not make your bargain profitable)!' When you see someone announcing something lost in it, say: 'May Allāh not restore it to you!"' [At-Tirmidzi].

It was reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If you see someone selling or buying inside the Masjid, say to him: May Allāh not make you’re trading profitable. And if you see someone crying out inside the Masjid something he has lost, say to him: May Allāh not restores it to you, for the Masājid was not built for this.” [At-Tirmidzi and An-Nasā’ie]

Buraidah Ibn Khusaib (radiyallāhu’anhu)  said: A man announced (the loss of his camel) in the mosque, uttering these words: "Has any one seen my red camel?" Upon this the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "May it not be restored to you! The mosques are built for what they are meant to be (i.e., prayer, remembrance of Allāh, acquiring knowledge, etc.)." [Muslim].

'Amr bin Shu'aib on the authority of his grandfather (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited (us) from buying and selling in the mosque; (he also prohibited us from) making announcement in it about something lost and from reciting poems in it. [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi].

Commentary:
1. Some 'Ulama' have stated that the prohibition in the above stated Ahadith is in the nature of aversion and disgust if the acts mentioned in the Hadith do not lead to disturbing those engaged in worship (be it Solat, recitation of the Qur'an or similar good acts) in the mosque. If they do disturb the worshippers, then the prohibition would be absolute.
2. Recitation of such poems is prohibited which relate to love stories and romantic tales. There is no harm in reciting such poems in mosques which relate to the Oneness of Allāh, obedience of His Prophet (Sallallāhu alayhi wasallam), and other subjects meant for the reformation of Muslims.
3. It is permissible to talk about the problems of Muslims and any other issues which are concerned with the welfare of community at large.
4. It is prohibited to hold Qawwali (singing spiritual topics) in mosques because it is accompanied by music and musical instruments. The verses recited in Qawwali are largely based on exaggeration and go beyond the limits prescribed by the Shari'ah. Such things unnecessarily pacify the sentiments of the public and incline them to inaction. It is a pity that many people regard Qawwali permissible, which is sheer ignorance.

As-Sa’ib bin Yazid (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: While I was in the mosque, someone threw a pebble at me, and when I looked up, I saw that it was ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab, (radiyallāhu’anhu)  who said: “Go and call me these two men.” I brought them and ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) asked them: “Where are you from?” On their replying that they belonged to At-Taif, he said: “Had you been the inhabitants of Al-Madinah, I would have given you a beating for raising your voices in the mosque of the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu alayhi wasallam).” [Al-Bukhari].

Commentary:
1. The action of ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) mentioned in the Hadith tells us that to speak loudly in the mosque amounts to desecrating it, which is a punishable offense.
2. If one is able of it, he must stop people from acts which amount to denial of Divine injunctions and contravene the Shari'ah.

24- Undesirability Of Leaving The Mosque Without Solāh After The Adzān Has Been Called

Abu Sha’tha’ said: We were sitting with Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) in the mosque when the Mu'azzin proclaimed the Adzān. A man stood up in the mosque and started walking out. Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) stared at him till he went out of the mosque. Upon this Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: Indeed, this man has disobeyed Abul-Qasim (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam). [Muslim].

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered us, when we are in the Masjid and the Adzan is called, not to leave the Masjid until we perform solāh.” [Imām Ahmad]

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that after hearing Adhan, one should not leave the mosque without offering the obligatory Solāt connected with it, unless one has a very genuine reason for doing so.

This is even if he already performed obligatory solāh (which will be considered a Nafilah (extra) when he performs solāh with the other Muslims).

25 - Say Salām To The People Before He Leaves The Masjid.

It was narrated in a hassan hadith that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When one of you joins a gathering he should greet those present; and when he leave them he should greet them because the first salutation is not better than the last one.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidzi]

26 - Leave The Masjid Start With His Left Foot First And With Supplication.

The Muslim should leave the Masjid start with his left foot first and say what the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) use to say:“Bismillāh, O Allāh, Grant me with Your Blessings, O Allāh protect me from Syaitān.” [Muslim]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Adapted from Friday speech delivered by Imām Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC February25, 2000) via IAR, December 18, 2000)]


All About The Solāh

4. Al-Wudhu’ ; 5. Tayammum;
29.   Solāh al-Jumu’ah; 30. The Sanctified Hour of Jumu’ah.


3. Appendixes.4. Glossary ; 5. Bibliography.

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