Etiquette for Walking to the Mosque
Performing Wudu Before Heading to the Mosque
It is highly recommended to perform wudu (ablution) before going to the mosque. Imam Muslim reported in his Sahih from Abu Huraira – may Allah be pleased with him – that the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house, then walks to one of the houses of Allah to perform an obligatory prayer, his steps will reduce one sin and raise him a degree.”
Supplication Upon Departure to the Mosque
A Muslim is encouraged to recite the recommended supplications attributed to the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – when leaving for the mosque. It is narrated in Sahih that Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with both of them – spent a night with the Prophet – peace be upon him – and awoke to perform the night prayers before heading to the mosque for Fajr prayer. He supplicated: “O Allah, place light in my heart, light on my tongue, light in my hearing, light in my sight, light behind me, light in front of me, light above me, and light beneath me. O Allah, grant me light.”
Walking with Calmness and Dignity
It is advisable for those who intend to go to the mosque to walk with calmness and dignity, avoiding haste. The Prophet – peace be upon him – stated: “Whoever purifies himself in his home, then walks to one of the houses of Allah to perform one of his obligatory prayers, his steps will reduce one sin and raise him a degree.”
Avoiding Interlocking Fingers While Walking to the Mosque
It is considered disliked (makruh) for individuals heading to the mosque to interlock their fingers. This view is upheld by the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, as well as by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah. This is supported by a narration from Abu Huraira – may Allah be pleased with him – where the Prophet – peace be upon him – said: “If any one of you performs wudu for prayer, he should not interlock his fingers.”
The Virtues of Walking to the Mosque
Numerous prophetic traditions highlight the virtues associated with walking to the mosques for prayer. Among these virtues are:
- Walking to the mosques is a means of attaining Paradise and enjoying the immense rewards that Allah – the Exalted – has prepared therein. Imam Muslim reported from Abu Huraira – may Allah be pleased with him – that the Prophet – peace be upon him – said: “Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning or evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Paradise for every time he goes and returns.”
- Gaining high ranks and immense rewards through the act of walking to the mosque is emphasized by the Prophet – peace be upon him – who said: “Whoever purifies himself in his home, then walks to one of the houses of Allah to fulfill an obligation, one of his steps will erase a sin, and the other will elevate his degree.” Additionally, Imam Muslim narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari – may Allah be pleased with him – that the Prophet – peace be upon him – remarked: “The one who receives the greatest reward for prayer is the one who walks the farthest to reach it. The one who waits for the prayer until he prays with the imam receives greater reward than the one who prays and then goes to sleep.” In another narration from Abu Kuraib: “Until he prays with the imam in congregation.”