THE STATUS OF A MASJID IN ISLAM[PART 2 OF 2]

 THE STATUS OF A MASJID IN ISLAM[PART 2 OF 2]

ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

http://variousislamicdawadocuments.blogspot.com

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emails:gonidamgamiri@yahoo.com; abba.abana@gmail.com

Monday 14 Ramadan 1442 AH and 26 April 2021 CE

Reminder Day 14

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 2 OF 2]

Preamble

To perform the Tahayyatul Masjid

Do not cross in front of people reading Salaah

One should not spit inside the Masjid

Issue

Keep the Masjid Clean

Do not bring small children to the Masjid

To sweep the Masjid

To keep the Masjid bright

To place carpets or mats in the Masjid

One should not make the Masjid into your home

When you return from any journey go first to the Masjid

Staying in the mosque brings reward and virtue even if it is not i‘tikaaf

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.

To perform the Tahayyatul Masjid

When entering the Masjid, prior to sitting, one should perform two rak’ah of Salaah which is called “Tahayyatul Masjid.” Make sure that it is not a Makruh time to perform Salaah. Make sure that you have valid Wudu and that the Congregational Salaah has not begun. On the day of Jum’uah, you are not allowed to perform Salaah when the Khutbah is been read.

In the Haram Shareef, the Tawaaf becomes a substitute for this Salaah. In “Raddul Mukhtaar”, it is mentioned that if one could not perform this Nafil for some reason, then he can also recite the 3rd Kalimah four times.

If a person entering the Masjid immediately busies himself with reading other Salaahs such as Sunnah and Fard, he will still receive the reward for this Nafil Salaah. (Kitaabul Fiqh). If one comes and go in the Masjid, then it is only sufficient to read this Nafil once during that specific period or time.

While in the Masjid, always endeavour to sit facing the Qiblah!

It is mentioned that, “To sit in the Masjid facing the Qiblah is also a means of reward.” (Ainul ‘Ilm)

The great Awliya advise that Allah azza wajal reveals His Divine secrets to His slaves when they are facing the Qiblah.

In the “Arbaeen” of Imam Nawawi Alaihir Rahmah it is mentioned that there was a person who had two sons who had the wish to become Haafizul Qur’an. One son always had the habit of facing the Qiblah and through the Barakah of this, he memorized the Qur’an one year before his brother. (Sharah Arbaeen)

It is reported that one person, without thinking, spat towards the Qiblah. Due to this disrespect, his spiritual status was taken away.

It is Makruh to face your legs towards the Qiblah and to make this habit is considered a major sin. (Raddul Mukhtaar). It is also considered as Makruh to even allow one leg to face in the direction of the Qiblah. One should also bear in mind that it is Makruh to place a little child in such a manner that his legs face the Qiblah. (Shami)

Buying and selling is not allowed inside the Masjid

To perform any commercial transaction inside the Masjid is considered an act which is against the respect due to a Masjid. However, the person who is in I’tikaaf, in certain conditions, he is allowed to do this. (Mirqat).

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has declared that, “When you see a person buying and selling inside the Masjid, then you should say, ‘May there be no profit in your business.’” (Tirmidhi; Nisaa’i Shareef)

In “Tafseer Qurtabi”, it is mentioned that once Nabi ‘Isa Alayhis Salaam was passing by a group of people who were doing business in a Masjid. He made his shawl into something like a whip and chased them. He also declared to them, “O children of snakes! You have made the House of Allah azza wajal into a bazaar. This is a bazaar of the Hereafter.” It is also not permissible to sell any Taweez (amulet) inside a Masjid. (Alamgheeri)

Keep your voice low inside the Masjid

One should not raise one’s voice in the Masjid except when making the Dhikr of Allah azza wajal. In the “Bukhari Shareef”, it is reported that once Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu saw two people in the Masjid who were making a loud noise. He asked them where they were from. They replied that they were from Ta’if. He then replied, “If you were from here, I would have punished you. You are making loud noises inside the Masjid of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam!”

One should refrain from wordily conversation inside the Masjid

It is mentioned that the Masjid has not been built for wordily conversation but for the Tasbeeh, the Takbeer and for the recitation of the Qur’an. (Tafseer Qurtabi)

One should refrain from reading inappropriate poetry or praise in the Masjid

It is considered Makruh to read inappropriate praise, or un-Islamic words inside the Masjid. (Al Ishabah)

Yes, it is permissible to read proper poetry inside the Masjid as this was also done in the time of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. Everyone knows that Hadrat Hasaan bin Thabit Radi Allahu ‘Anhu, at the instruction of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam, used to sing the praises of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam used to make a special Du’a for him. (Mirqat)

Among the etiquettes of the Masjid is that one should not walk over the shoulders of other people to enter the row in front. If it is possible to enter the first row without this type of behaviour, then it is considered as appropriate to enter the first row especially during the Jum’uah Salaah. Otherwise, one should sit nearest to where there is a vacant spot. It is mentioned that, “Whosoever crosses over the shoulder of others during Jum’uah, he has prepared for himself a bridge to Hell. (However, it is permissible if there is no inconvenience caused to anyone and the Imam has not started to read the Khutbah. Otherwise, it is considered as Makruh Tahreemi). (Kitaabul Fiqh)

If the rows in the back are completely full and there is space available in the first row, then one can cross over the shoulder of others, however extreme caution and respect is demanded making sure that one does not inconvenience the person whose shoulder you are crossing over. This advice is also applicable to the Imam when he is arriving at his place of Salaah.

Refrain from unnecessary argument

One is not allowed to argue about any space in the Masjid. (Kitaabul Fiqh) It is also considered as Makruh to allocate a special spot for yourself in the Masjid. (Tahtaawi) It is also not permissible to remove another person from his spot just so that you can sit in that spot. It is mentioned that if a person has arisen from his spot to go and do something, when he arrives, “he is more entitled for that spot.” (Bukhari; Muslim Shareef)

It is also not permissible for a person to send another person to the Masjid to reserve his spot when he has not yet arrived at the Masjid. If another person takes this spot, then he is within his right to do so. If this person has placed his Musallah at this spot and another person comes and removes this Musallah and takes that spot, again he is entitled to do so. (Lawaaqihul Anwaar)

Yes, if however, the person sitting arises out of respect for this other person and gives him his spot, then this is considered as permissible. At the same time, it is considered as a mark of respect that in spite of this, the person being offered the spot should refrain from taking this spot. The reason is that perhaps the person arose out of shame or fear. This used to also happen when Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi Allahu ‘Anhu and Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu used to arrive in the Masjid, but they used to stop people from doing this.

In the “Mirqat”, a very strange incident is recorded. It is reported that an oppressive ruler, prior to sitting in the Masjid, used to first sent his servants to the Masjid. These servants used to then abuse and shout at people so that they allow a space for this oppressive ruler. The people then took this complain to a learned scholar, who was also a great Saint, and described the behaviour of this sinful person. The great Saint replied, “If this is the condition of his Ibadah, then imagine what must be the condition of his sins?”

One should not create restrictions for others

In “Tafseer Qurtabi” it is mentioned that if there is no place in that row, one should not try and force oneself into that row and create problems for others. However, if there is space in that row, one should endeavour to first fill that space. The reason is that the Satan enters any small space left in any row as a little goat or wolf (with the intention of creating disunity among the Muslims).

Do not cross in front of people reading Salaah

It is prohibited to walk in front of someone who is reading his Salaah. (Lawaaqihul Anwaar) As a matter of fact, it is reported that if a person only knows what a major sin this is, he will stand still for forty days, or months or years (out of fear). (Lawaaqihul Anwaar)

In one Hadith Shareef, this person has been termed as the Satan. In another hadith Shareef, it is reported that this person be killed. The reason is that this person is trying to break the connection between the slave and his Creator by making the Musalli turn his attention towards him.

The great Awliya declare that they do not walk in front of a person reading his Salaah perchance they may also be included among the list of Satans. This strict restriction has been given so that people can protect themselves from this great sin and refrain from disturbing the concentration of the person reading his Salaah.

Issue

If the person has blocked an open way for someone to pass through, then the sin in this instance will not be on the person walking in front but on the Musalli himself.

It is permissible to walk in front of someone reading his Salaah while making Tawaaf.

If it is a large Masjid, then one is allowed to walk in front of this person reading his Salaah at a distance of over three rows from the spot of his Sajdah.

If there is some item or object in front of this person, then one is allowed to pass in front of him.

One should not spit inside the Masjid

One is not allowed to spit inside the Masjid, clean one’s nose or throw any dirt inside the Masjid.

Do not crack your fingers inside the Masjid

As a matter of fact, one is recommended not to crack one’s fingers either inside the Masjid or even in one’s home. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam once declared, “O Ali! I wish the same for you which I wish for myself. Do not crack your fingers during Salaah.”

Issue

It is considered as Makruh Tahreemi to crack one’s fingers during Salaah. It is also prohibited to do this even while one is not in Salaah. It is considered as permissible outside the Masjid although it is an act which is considered as useless. (Shami)

Do not play with your clothes

One is not allowed to play with any part of one’s clothes. As a matter of fact, one should sit in the Masjid with due respect and simplicity. Try to avoid all of those things which are unbecoming keeping in mind the Divine Power and the awe which you should display bearing in mind that you are in the House of Allah azza wajal.

Keep the Masjid Clean

Keep the Masjid clean from all dirt and impurities. It is also considered as Makruh Tahreemi to take anything inside the Masjid which is unclean. One is not permitted to enter the Masjid if one’s clothes are unclean.

If someone had eaten an item which has a bad smell such as raw onion or garlic, etc. as long as the smell does not dissipate, he is not allowed to enter the Masjid whether there are any Musallis in the Masjid or not. (Tabarani)

A person whose mouth is extremely smelly due to some reason, perhaps he has taken some medication or he has some injury in his mouth, as long as the smell does not dissipate, he should not enter the Masjid. In like manner, those people who are butchers, or sell fish, etc. should take extra precaution before entering the Masjid. (Shami)

In like manner, the person whose perspiration has a foul smell, should also eliminate this prior to entering the Masjid. The same rule would be applicable to those who smoke cigarettes or huqqah or chew tobacco. If one wishes to pass wind, it is recommended that he does this outside the Masjid even though he may be in I’tikaaf.

Do not bring small children to the Masjid

Small children or insane people should not be permitted inside the Masjid. If there is a possibility that such individuals would damage the Masjid in some way, then it is Haraam to allow them inside the Masjid, otherwise, it is considered as Makruh Tanzeehi. (Shami) One is not allowed to carry out any punishment inside the Masjid. (Shami)

Do not display laziness in the Masjid

While inside the Masjid, one should increase the Dhikr of Allah azza wajal and one should refrain from been lazy in this regard.

To sweep the Masjid

One should try and sweep the Masjid by himself. It is reported that even Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam used to sweep the Masjid. He used to also remove any dust or any branches or leaves from the Masjid. (Ruhul Ma’ani)

It is reported that there was once a lady who used to always make it a habit of sweeping the Masjid of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. When she passed away, the blessed companions did not want to trouble Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam. They decided to bury her themselves. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam heard about her demise, he mentioned to his blessed companions that they should have informed him. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam went to her grave and performed the Janazah Salaah again. He then declared, “Because of her sweeping the Masjid, I had seen her in Jannah. I had also asked her that after death, which was the most noble act that she had seen and she replied that, ‘I have seen that the sweeping of the Masjid was the most noble of action.’” (Lawaaqihul Anwaar)

It was the habit of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar Radi Allahu ‘Anhu that every Thursday he used to go to Masjid Quba and sweep the entire Masjid with a date branch. (Al Waf’ul Wafa)

In the Hadith Shareef it is mentioned that, “Whosoever removes any dirt from the Masjid, Allah azza wajal will build a home for him in Jannah.” (ibn Maja Shareef)

It is also recommended that during Jum’uah, one should place some fragrance in the Masjid.

To keep the Masjid bright

Hadrat Sayyiduna Anas Radi Allahu ‘Anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam has declared that, “Whosoever lights a lamp in the Masjid, the Angels and the Angels of the Arsh will continue to seek pardon for him and make Du’a for him as long as that lamp is burning in the Masjid.”

Obviously, in the present era, this will apply to those people who arrange proper lighting system for the Masjid. As long as the lights are been used in the Masjid, the person who had organized this will continue to receive the reward for this noble act.

To place carpets or mats in the Masjid

There is no doubt that there is immense benefit and reward in this act. (Ainul ‘Ilm)

One should not make the Masjid into your home

This law is applicable for everyone except those who are travellers and those in ‘Itikaaf. At the same time, the Masjid should not be made into a place through which you travel or like a road. A person who makes the Masjid a place through which one travels through has been termed a Faasiq. (Shami) If however, if one makes the intention of ‘Itikaaf, then he will not be considered a sinner. (Raddul Mukhtaar)

If you begin to feel sleepy in the Masjid for some reason, then you should endeavour to solve this in the following manner. Get up from your position, tap the right hand side of your head with your fingers and then sit in another spot.

When you return from any journey go first to the Masjid

When you return from a journey, prior to going home, you should make it a habit of first going to the Masjid and perform two rak’ah of Nafil Salaah and then go to your house. This Salaah is called “Tahayyatul Qudum” or a form of giving thanks for your safe return. This was the habit of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam and became the habit of the blessed companions Radi Allahu ‘Anhum.

Staying in the mosque brings reward and virtue even if it is not i‘tikaaf

If a person is a wrongdoer who has no purpose in life, he should strive first of all to repent sincerely to Allah, and change his ways from wrongdoing and sin to justice and obedience to Allah. 

Staying in the mosque for the purpose of prayer, dhikr, reading Qur’an and waiting for the prayer is a virtuous deed in and of itself. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If he prays (i.e., in the mosque), the angels will continue to send blessings upon him so long as he remains in the place where he prayed, (saying): ‘O Allah send blessings upon him, O Allah have mercy upon him.’ And one of you remains in a state of prayer so long as he is waiting for the prayer.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (648) and Muslim (649). 

Al-Bayhaqi narrated in Shu‘ab al-Eemaan (2943) that ‘Amr ibn Maymoon al-Awdi said: The companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) told us that the mosques are the houses of Allah on earth, and it is incumbent upon Allah to honour those who visit Him in them. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah (1169). 

In addition to that, it also has the benefit of allowing one to focus on worshipping Allah, may He be exalted, and to leave behind worldly matters that may distract one.

Advice to the Muslims of today

There is no doubt that great places have fallen to the Muslims in the past. There are numerous Masjids in the world who are considered as blessed Masjids. Tragically also, we have lost many Masjids due to our negligence and laziness. Yes, we love Baitul Muqaddas and respect its position in Islam. At the same time, there are also many other blessed Masjids which we allow to degenerate. If we look at the Masjids that we have in our control today, we will see that ninety five percent of the Muslims do not even come to the Masjid. Tomorrow, if these Masjids are lost, whose fault will this be? Even those Masjids which are frequented by Muslims, some of them have become places of fitnah and fasaad. How many Masjids in the present era have become centres of back-biting and jealousy? As a matter of fact, the true feeling of making Dhikr has also disappeared from these Masjids. In the “Mudkhil” of Ibn-e-Haaj it is mentioned that when a person speaks unbecoming things in the Masjid, the Angels declare, “O friend of Allah, keep silent.” If the person does not stop, the Angels declare, “Keep silent, O enemy of Allah!” Still, if the person continues, the Angels declare, “Keep silent, may Allah’s curse be upon you.” Without doubt, the Masjids are the Houses of Allah azza wajal on earth.

Hence, our advice is that every facet of the Masjid is something which one should display immense respect and reverence towards. How many times has it been mentioned that this is the House of Allah. When you are in the habit of making sure that your own house is kept the cleanest and even hire people to clean this on a daily basis, how much of care should be taken for the House of Allah?

 

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