THE STATUS OF A MASJID IN ISLAM [PART 1 OF 2]
ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA
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Sunday 13 Ramadan 1442 AH and 25 April 2021 CE
Reminder Day 13
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum WA-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu.
Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger.
Help us Answer the Ummah! Every second, everywhere someone needs an answer. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A person who leads others to doing what is good will earn the same reward as those who do it.” (Muslim, 1893).
“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true in Faith.” And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” [Holy Quran Chapter Al Imran Ayah 139]
“If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.”
[Holy Quran Chapter Imran Ayah 160]
Contents- [PART 1 OF 2]
Preamble
The Status Of A Masjid In Islam
A few Ahadith which explains the importance of a Masjid
The best of places is the Masjid
Testify to the Imaan of someone who takes care of the Masjid
Seven people would enjoy the Shadow of the Divine Arsh on the Day of Judgement
To love the Masjid is to love Allah azza wajal
The brightness of the Masjid
To come to the Masjid is like coming to the House of Allah azza wajal
The status of a Masjid has also been described in the Taurah
All Masjids with enter Jannah
A Guest in Jannah
You can eat the Fruits of Jannah while on earth!
A beloved with Allah azza wajal
The reward of reading Salaah in the Masjid
There is no Monkhood in Islam
The reward of going to the Masjid while it is still dark
One who lives far from the Masjid
Etiquettes of the Masjid
Beautify yourself
Walk towards the Masjid patiently and with respect
Make Salaam when entering the Masjid
Preamble
The month of Ramadan has come to you, the month of repentance and forgiveness, the month of doubling the rewards of deeds, and the month when sins are wiped out, so be diligent in acts of obedience and hasten to rewards.
It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3277; Muslim, 1079. According to al-Nasaa'i: "The most evil jinn are chained up."
This does not mean that the devils have no influence at all, rather it indicates that they become weaker in Ramadaan and are not able to do what they are able to do at times other than Ramadaan.
THE STATUS OF A MASJID IN ISLAM
In Surah 9 Taubah, verse 18, it is mentioned:
إِنَّمَا يَعۡمُرُ مَسَـٰجِدَ ٱللَّهِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَأَقَامَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَى ٱلزَّڪَوٰةَ وَلَمۡ يَخۡشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَۖ فَعَسَىٰٓ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ (١٨) ۞
“The only people inhabit the Masjids of Allah who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and pay the poor-due (Zakaat) and fear none but Allah, therefore it is near that these people may be among the guided ones.”
A few Ahadith which explains the importance of a Masjid
The best of places is the Masjid
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “With Allah azza wajal the most beloved of places is the Masjid. With Allah azza wajal, the most disliked of places is the bazaar (market place).”
Testify to the Imaan of someone who takes care of the Masjid
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Sa’eed Khudri Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “When you see someone who has a connection with the Masjid, who serves (the Masjid), who takes care of it, then testify to his Imaan. The reason is that Allah azza wajal has declared that only those people inhabit the Masjid who have Imaan and believe in the Last Day.”
There are many dimensions to the word “safeguard” in this verse. It could imply protecting, taking care of it, making sure that it is neat and tidy, keeping it clean, performing Salaah, being busy in Dhikr and Ibadah and spreading knowledge within the Masjid, etc.
Seven people would enjoy the Shadow of the Divine Arsh on the Day of Judgement
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has declared that, “There are seven people whom Allah azza wajal would keep under His Merciful Divine Shadow on that Day in which there would be no other shadow. They are:
1. A just ruler.
2. That person who spent his youth in the worship of Allah azza wajal.
3. That person who leaves the Masjid and continues to think about the Masjid until he returns.
4. Those two people who love each other for the sake of Allah azza wajal. When they meet, they meet for the love of Allah azza wajal and when they leave each other, it is for the sake of Allah azza wajal.
5. That person who remembers Allah azza wajal while he is alone and (in fear for Allah azza wajal), he weeps.
6. That person who has been invited by an influential and beautiful female (with the intention to commit evil), and in reply, he says that he fears Allah azza wajal.
7. That person who gives charity in such a secret manner that his left hand is unaware of what his right hand has spent. (Bukhari; Muslim Shareef)
This Hadith Shareef clearly indicates the quality of those seven people who would enjoy the Divine Mercy of Allah azza wajal on the Day of Judgement due to their special behaviour and action. These people would be protected on that day from all the difficulties and calamities which would befall people. The third person in this Hadith Shareef is that person who is so attached to the Masjid that as long as he does not return to the Masjid for the next Salaah, he continues to feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This should be the state of the believers and we make Du’a that Almighty azza wajal blesses us with at least one of these attributes. Ameen.
To love the Masjid is to love Allah azza wajal
Hadrat Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “Whosoever wishes to love Allah azza wajal should love me. Whosoever wishes to love me, should love the Qur’an, whosoever wishes to love the Qur’an should love the Masjid because it is the House of Allah azza wajal. Allah azza wajal has commanded us to respect (the Masjid) and has placed Barakah in it. It is full of Barakah and those who stay in it are also full of Barakah. It is protected by Allah azza wajal and those who are in it are also protected by Allah azza wajal. Those who are busy in the Salaah, Allah azza wajal fulfils their needs and when they are in the Masjid Allah azza wajal protects their property.” (Tafsir Qurtabi, 12/266)
The brightness of the Masjid
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas Radi Allahu ‘Anhuma narrates that the Masjids on earth are the Houses of Allah azza wajal. They are bright for the people in the heavens like the stars are bright for the people on earth. (Tabarani in the Kabeer)
To come to the Masjid is like coming to the House of Allah azza wajal
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhuma narrates that, “The Masjids on earth are the Houses of Allah azza wajal. Whosoever visits someone, it is his right to show respect and display decorum (to his guests).” (Mirqat)
The status of a Masjid has also been described in the Taurah
Hadrat Sayyiduna Ka’ab Ahbaar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that it is recorded in the Taurah (that Allah azza wajal) has declared that, “On earth, My houses are the Masjids. Whosoever makes proper Wudu and then comes to visit My house, I will honour him. And whosoever comes to visit someone it is his right that he should honour (his guests).” (Nuzhatun Naazireen; Mirqat, 73. 2/210)
All Masjids with enter Jannah
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhuma has narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallamhas stated that, “On the Day of Judgement, all of earth will be destroyed except the Masjids. All of them will be joined together and will meet at one place.” (In another narration, it is mentioned that they will all meet and enter Jannah). (Nazul Ummaal)
A Guest in Jannah
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “Whosoever leaves his home for the Masjid whether it be morning or evening, Allah azza wajal prepares for him the provisions of Jannah no matter how many times he goes to the Masjid in the morning or evening.” (Bukhari; Muslim Shareef)
This proves that no matter how many times in the morning or in the evening a person goes to the Masjid, Allah azza wajal welcomes him as a special guest. Every time, he appears in the Masjid, special provisions of Jannah are prepared and kept for him. Such is the Great Divine Mercy of Allah azza wajal. How can anyone even describe these great bounties which Allah azza wajal has kept for this person?
You can eat the Fruits of Jannah while on earth!
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “Whenever you come to the garden in Jannah, you should eat its fruits in abundance.” Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Where is the garden of Jannah on earth?” Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam replied, “The Masjid, (is the garden of Jannah).” Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is meant by eating its fruits in abundance? Or how should we eat its fruits?” Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam replied, “It is to recite Subhaanallah, Wal Hamdu Lillah, Wa Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Wal Laahu Akbar.” (Tirmidhi Shareef)
The Masjids have been termed the gardens of Jannah because to busy oneself in Ibadah and Salaah in the Masjid is one of the means of entering Jannah and the gardens of Jannah. It also signifies the immense reward that one achieves by entering the Masjid and spending time there in Ibadah.
A beloved with Allah azza wajal
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “When a person establishes a place in the Masjid for Salaah and Dhikr, then Allah azza wajal looks upon him with Divine Mercy and Divine Kindness in the same manner as a person is treated by his household with mercy and kindness who has returned after a long time.” (Mirqat)
The reward of reading Salaah in the Masjid
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated that, “The Salaah of someone who performs Salaah in congregation in the Masjid is twenty five times greater (in reward) than the Salaah performed in one’s house or bazaar. The reason is that when a person makes complete Wudu and goes to the Masjid and he has no other intent but to perform the Salaah, then, for every step, his status is increased and one sin of his is pardoned. Then, as long as he is reading Salaah, the Angels continue to pray for him for blessing and mercy. The Du’a of the Angels is, ‘O our Lord! Please bestow upon this slave Your special Favour and Mercy.’ As long as someone among you waits for the Salaah in the (Masjid), with Allah azza wajal and in reward, (it is as if) he is in Salaah.” (Bukhari; Muslim Shareef)
In other words, such is the reward of reading Salaah in the Masjid with congregation. Imagine, every step you take towards the Masjid your status is elevated and one sin is pardoned. Such is the immense mercy and grace of Allah azza wajal. At the same time, the person is also been blessed with the Du’a of the Angels. This special Du’a of the Angels continue until the person is in the Masjid with proper Wudu and does not resort to hurting someone or breaks his Wudu.
There is no Monkhood in Islam
Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Maz’oon Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that he once asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, “O Prophet, please give me permission to become a monk.” He replied, “In my Ummah, Monkhood is to wait for Salaah and to sit in the Masjid.” (Sharahus Sunnah)
There are certain companions who had this ardent wish to completely divorce themselves from the world and everything worldly and this the reason that they requested permission to go into seclusion. In other words, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam was clearly indicating that the spiritual benefit that previous nations used to enjoy in complete seclusion or Nmonkhood, that blessing has been allocated to his Ummah when they wait in the Masjid for the Salaah. This is the true seclusion of this Ummah. As a matter of fact, to wait for Salaah while sitting in the Masjid is a form of I’tikaaf. (Ma’aariful Hadith, 3/176)
The reward of going to the Masjid while it is still dark
Hadrat Sayyiduna Buraydah Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has stated, “That slave who goes to the Masjid while it is still dark, give him glad tidings that because of his action on the Day of Judgement, he will be given complete Nur on behalf of Allah azza wajal.” (Tirmidi; Sunan Abi Daud Shareef)
There is no doubt that to travel to the Masjid while there is darkness everywhere is indeed a great Jihad. There is also no doubt that such a person is proving his true connection with Allah azza wajal. Such will be his reward on the Day of Judgement that he will be personally given a most beautiful light or Nur which will also surprise many people.
One who lives far from the Masjid
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Moosa Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has declared that, “The greatest reward in Salaah is received by that person who lives the furthest. Whosoever waits in the Masjid so that he can perform his Salaah with the Imam, his reward is greater than one who performs his Salaah alone and goes to sleep.” (Muslim Shareef)
Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah Radi Allahu ‘Anhuma explains that his house was very far from the Masjid. He decided one day to sell his house and live near the Masjid or as close as possible to the Masjid. However, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam stopped him from doing this and advised him that, “For every step (you take), there is one degree (in elevation of your status).” (Muslim Shareef)
The same renowned companion also explains that once there was some land which became empty near the Masjid. The Banu Salamah, who lived far away, decided to settle in this empty land, When this news reached Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, he informed them, “O Bani Salamah! Keep your houses, for every step (you take, there is elevation in status for you).” (Muslim Shareef)
The story is mentioned about another renowned companion, namely Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubay bin Ka’ab Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, who lived the furthest from the Masjid. Yet, his condition was such that he used to be extremely punctual in his Salaah. He never once missed the Salaah with congregation. Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubay bin Ka’ab Radi Allahu ‘Anhu was once advised to buy a donkey so that it would make it easy for him to come to the Masjid during the night when it was dark and during the day when it was extremely hot. When Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubay bin Ka’ab Radi Allahu ‘Anhu heard this he replied, “I do not wish to be near the Masjid or protect myself against the test of walking towards the Masjid. As a matter of fact, it is my wish and Du’a that for every step I take coming and going, this is recorded in my record of deeds whether I am coming or whether I am going.”
When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam heard about this, he declared, “Whether coming or going, Allah azza wajal has bestowed upon you both rewards.” (Muslim Shareef)
In another Hadith Shareef, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has declared that, “Whosoever cleans himself properly and with proper Wudu travels to the Masjid so that he can complete the Fard Salaah, for every step he takes a single sin is pardoned and the next step elevates his status.” (Muslim Shareef)
Etiquettes of the Masjid
Beautify yourself
In Surah 7 Al ‘Araf, verse 31, the Qur’an declares:
يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُواْ زِينَتَكُمۡ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسۡجِدٍ۬ وَڪُلُواْ وَٱشۡرَبُواْ وَلَا تُسۡرِفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُسۡرِفِينَ (٣١) “
O children of Adam! Take your adornment whenever you go to Masjid.”
In “Tafseer Mazhari”, Qadi Thanaullah Panipati Alaihir Rahmah explains that, “It is considered as Mustahab to wear nice clean clothes when going to the Masjid.” (2/346)
In “Tafseer Ruhul Ma’ani”, Allamah Mahmud Alusi Alaihir Rahmah explains that, “Hadrat Imam Hasan Radi Allahu ‘Anhu used to wear nice clothes whenever he used to go for Salaah.” (8/109)
From this we come to realize that it is not only sufficient to cover one’s private area in Salaah but that one has to make sure that one’s clothes are also neat, tidy and clean. This is the reason that it is frowned upon for one to perform Salaah without covering one’s head, to leave one’s collar and sleeve open. In other words, to adopt clothing which would cause embarrassment. If one wears this in front of friends, this is the type of clothing that one should refrain from in Salaah. It is important to remember that you are presenting yourself in the Divine Court of Allah azza wajal, hence, your clothing and your body should be extremely clean and neat.
Walk towards the Masjid patiently and with respect
When one walks towards the Masjid, one should walk in humility and with respect. One should also walk patiently keeping in mind that one is going towards the House of Allah azza wajal. One should refrain from joking and playing on the road. At the same time, it is not permissible to run towards the Masjid. In the Hadith Shareef it is mentioned that when you hear the Iqaamah, then walk towards the Salaah with patience and with respect and do not run.
Enter the Masjid with the right foot and read the recommended Du’a. Leave your shoes at the doorway. If there is a possibility that the shoes could be stolen, then you are allowed to take it inside the Masjid. However, prior to doing this, you should make certain that the shoes have been dusted and cleaned. It is also recommended that you place the shoes in some plastic bag prior to taking it inside the Masjid.
When you leave the Masjid, leave with the left foot and do not forget to read the recommended Du’a. Do the opposite when entering the toilet. In this instance, you should enter with the left foot and leave with the right foot. There are also certain Du’as applicable here also.
Make Salaam when entering the Masjid
When you enter the Masjid then greet the person nearest to you. At the same time, do not make Salaam in such a loud voice because there are others in the Masjid who are busy in Salaah or Dhikr.
References
1. Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi, Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin, translated by Wa’il Shihab, (Al-Mansourah, Egypt: Dar Al-Manarah, 2002) pp. 186-191.
2. http://islaaminfo.com/6-practical-steps-toward-sincere-repentance/
3. https://www.islamweb.net/en/ramadan/article/168645/practical-steps-towards-sincere-repentance
4. https://aboutislam.net/tag/tawbah/
5. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid: Seventy Matters Related to Fasting Published On: 16/7/2015 A.D. - 29/9/1436 H.
6. https://aboutislam.net/tag/tawbah/
7. Source: Islam Q&A 221766
8. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5877556654494305524/804640629677869894
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