Purification
Purification, including the act of performing ablution before entering the mosque, is considered one of the essential Sunnah and etiquettes associated with visiting a mosque. This is supported by the noble Hadith that illustrates the virtue of congregational prayer over individual prayer, the reward for attending the mosque, and the merits of walking towards it with the intention of praying. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, stated: “When one of them performs ablution well and then proceeds to the mosque, not intending anything but prayer, he takes a step without it being raised for him a rank, and a sin is lifted from him until he enters the mosque.”
It is noteworthy that entering the mosque without ablution is permissible as long as there is no major ritual impurity, such as sexual impurity or menstruation. A worshipper can perform ablution in the designated area of the mosque.
Additionally, an important aspect of the etiquette of entering the mosque involves dressing in clean and presentable clothing. Allah, the Most High, advises: “O children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid.” The practice of using a miswak (tooth-stick) and refraining from consuming foods that emit unpleasant odors, such as garlic and onion, also falls under personal hygiene. These are aspects that a Muslim should uphold at all times, especially when preparing to attend the mosque.
Supplication Upon Entering the Mosque
Making a supplication when entering the mosque is an important etiquette that Muslims are encouraged to observe. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, instructed: “When one of you enters the mosque, let him say: ‘O Allah! Open the gates of Your mercy for me.’
The noble Companion Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Prophet would recite this supplication upon entering the mosque. Therefore, maintaining this practice aligns with following the Messenger’s example, granting the supplicant rewards, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Moreover, there are other recorded narrations in which the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, would say: “I seek refuge in Allah, the Mighty, with His Noble Countenance, and His Eternal Sovereignty, from the accursed devil.” The Prophet explained that by saying this supplication, a person is protected from the whisperings of the devil throughout the day.
Greeting the Mosque
The greeting of the mosque consists of two Rak’ahs offered by an individual upon their first entry into the mosque for prayer or while seated, provided they are in a state of ablution. This applies to all mosques except the Sacred Mosque, where the greeting takes the form of Tawaf (circumambulation). The majority of scholars agree that greeting the mosque is a Sunnah, not a mandatory act.
The greeting of the mosque is the first action a worshipper should perform before commencing the obligatory prayer or any other good deed they wish to undertake there, such as reading the Qur’an, engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), or attending a lesson. This practice is validated by the words of the Messenger, peace be upon him: “When one of you enters the mosque, let him not sit until he prays two Rak’ahs.”
Engaging in Dhikr and Reading the Qur’an Until Prayer Time
It is recommended for worshippers to engage frequently in Dhikr and read the Qur’an while waiting for the performance of obligatory prayers. Mosques are built for the remembrance of Allah, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: “Indeed, the mosques are built for that purpose.”
In another narration, he said: “They are for the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted, prayer, and reading of the Qur’an.” Allah, the Almighty, mentions in Surah An-Nur: “In houses which Allah has permitted to be raised and in which His name is mentioned. Exalting Him therein in the morning and the evenings * men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performing prayer and giving zakah…”
Mosques, being the houses of Allah, should be preserved and kept free from any inappropriate conduct, such as idle chatter or conversations that detract from spiritual focus and contemplation of the afterlife. Such discussions can lead to sins such as gossip and slander. Hence, it is vital for Muslims who are within the precincts of Allah’s houses to engage in acts of worship such as Dhikr, praising Allah, reading the Qur’an, and studying beneficial knowledge, including Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence.
Prohibition on Buying and Selling Inside the Mosque
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, prohibited buying, selling, and conducting transactions within mosques. Such worldly matters should not distract from the primary purpose of mosques, which is to engage in the remembrance of Allah, reading the Qur’an, and performing prayers.
Additionally, asking about lost items within the mosque is also discouraged. Numerous narrations highlight this prohibition and provide guidance on how to respond when witnessing someone trading or inquiring about lost items inside the mosque. One such narration mentions Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, stating that the Prophet said: “If you see someone selling or buying in the mosque, say: ‘May Allah not make your trade profitable.’ If you see someone seeking a lost item there, say: ‘May Allah not return it to you.’” This response serves to refute such actions and follows the Prophet’s practice in such instances.
Supplication Upon Exiting the Mosque
It is recommended for a Muslim to recite the supplication as they exit the mosque, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The supplication is: “O Allah, send blessings and peace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty.” This was encouraged by the Prophet, as conveyed by Abu Hamid Al-Sa’idi, may Allah be pleased with him, who reported: “When one enters the mosque, let them say: ‘O Allah! Open for me the gates of Your mercy,’ and when they exit, let them say: ‘O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty.’
Scholars have provided insightful explanations for why supplications differ: when entering the mosque, a person is about to engage in deeds that will remind them of Allah and the afterlife, thus seeking mercy. In contrast, upon exiting, one seeks sustenance and livelihood, making it fitting to invoke Allah’s generosity and favor.
In summary, entering mosques in Islam entails adhering to specific etiquettes and regulations that must be observed. These include purification from both forms of ritual impurity, performing ablution, wearing clean and presentable clothing, maintaining pleasant odors, reciting the entrance and exit supplications, performing the greeting prayer, as well as refraining from idle talk, buying or selling, and other distractions.