The Importance of Constructing Mosques
Significance of Mosques
Mosques are considered the houses of Allah – the Almighty – here on Earth. They are sanctuaries of peace and dedicated spaces for the worship of Allah alone, as stated in the Quran: (وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا). These places are extremely beloved to Him – Glorified and Exalted be He.
The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – remarked: (أَحَبُّ الْبِلاَدِ إِلَى اللهِ مَسَاجِدهَا). Furthermore, he indicated that these places are cherished not only by Allah but also by His faithful servants. The Prophet – peace be upon him – likened mosques to the homes of the believers, stating: (الْمَسْجِد بَيتُ كُلّ تَقِيّ).
The Prophet’s Commitment to Mosque Construction
The Prophet – peace be upon him – demonstrated a profound commitment to the establishment of mosques. Upon reaching the neighborhood of Banu Amr bin Awf in Quba, he immediately began constructing the Quba Mosque, marking it as the first mosque built in Medina for the general Muslim community. Furthermore, when he arrived in Medina, his first action was to designate land for the construction of his own mosque.
Allah’s Praise for Those Who Populate Mosques
Allah – Glorified be He – praised those who maintain and populate His mosques. He stated: (إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ فَعَسَى أُولَئِكَ أَنْ يَكُونُوا مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ).
The Prophet’s Focus on Mosque Construction and Its Importance
The Prophet – peace be upon him – made it clear that building mosques is a paramount endeavor, as reflected in his numerous sayings that inspire and encourage his community to construct mosques. This is a practice that promises great reward, as stated by Allah through His Messenger – peace be upon him. Some of the notable points include:
Establishing Mosques for Allah Earns a Place in Paradise
It is narrated that Uthman ibn Affan – may Allah be pleased with him – sought to build a mosque, but some individuals were hesitant, preferring to leave it as is. He responded by saying: I heard the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – say: (مَن بَنَى مَسْجِدًا لِلَّهِ بَنَى اللَّهُ له في الجَنَّةِ مِثْلَهُ).
Imam Nawawi – may Allah have mercy on him – commented on this hadith, interpreting that the phrase “مِثْله” can imply two meanings: either Allah will create a similar dwelling in the afterlife as represented by the term, or the honor and virtue of the abode in paradise surpass the most splendid homes in this world beyond anything imaginable.
Constructing Mosques as Ongoing Charity and Lasting Good Deeds
The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated: (إِنَّ مِمَّا يَلْحَقُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ وَحَسَنَاتِهِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِ عِلْمًا عَلَّمَهُ وَنَشَرَهُ، وَوَلَدًا صَالِحًا تَرَكَهُ، وَمُصْحَفًا وَرَّثَهُ، أَوْ مَسْجِدًا بَنَاهُ، أَوْ بَيْتًا لِابْنِ السَّبِيلِ بَنَاهُ، أَوْ نَهْرًا أَجْرَاهُ، أَوْ صَدَقَةً أَخْرَجَهَا مِنْ مَالِهِ فِي صِحَّتِهِ وَحَيَاتِهِ، يَلْحَقُهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِهِ).