All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. May peace and salutations be upon His noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and upon those who follow his path until the Last Day.
The mosques are the most beloved places to Allah, and the most virtuous places on earth. It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
The most beloved places to Allah are the Masajid (mosques), and the most hated places to Allah are the marketplaces.
The Masjid is distinguished by the performance of many great and beloved acts of worship, such as the remembrance of Allah, the establishment of prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and circles of knowledge where the religion of Allah is learned.
It is enough of an honor for the Masjid that it is called the House of Allah. Allah attributed it to Himself to honor it, elevate its status, and show its lofty standing. Allah says:
And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so do not invoke anyone along with Allah. (72:18)
In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His Name be remembered therein; glorifying Him within them in the mornings and evenings. (24:36)
Etiquettes of the Masjid
The Shari’ah has laid down noble etiquettes which, when observed, bring about success and piety.
1. Sincerity of intention
The most important etiquette is to correct one’s intention, being sincere, and seeking only Allah through one’s actions.
2. Avoid offensive odors
A Muslim should ensure cleanliness and avoid anything that produces unpleasant smells that may harm other worshippers or the angels, such as eating onions, garlic, or smoking, before going to the Masjid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Whoever has eaten onion, garlic, or leek should not approach our Masjid, for the angels are offended by what offends the children of Adam. (Sahih Muslim)
3. Women should not wear perfume
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah, but let them go out without wearing perfume. (Abu Dawud)
4. Purification at home before going out
It is from the Sunnah to purify oneself at home before going to the Masjid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Whoever purifies himself in his house, then walks to one of the Houses of Allah to perform an obligatory prayer, each step erases a sin and raises him in rank. (Sahih Muslim)
5. Repeating after the Mu’adhin and making du‘a upon entry
One should repeat after the Mu’adhin and say the supplication when entering the Masjid:
Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatika.
6. Entering with calmness and the right foot
One should not run to catch the prayer but walk calmly with tranquility.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
When the Iqamah is called, do not come running. Come with tranquility; pray what you catch and complete what you miss. (Agreed upon)
It is from the Sunnah to enter with the right foot and leave with the left.
7. Praying two Rak‘ah before sitting
Upon entering the Masjid, one should perform two Rak‘ah (Tahiyyat al-Masjid) before sitting.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
When one of you enters the Masjid, he should not sit until he prays two Rak‘ah.
8. Avoid distracting others
A Muslim should not disturb or distract others who are praying. Raising voices in the Masjid is not permissible.
9. Giving Salam upon entering
A Muslim should greet others in the Masjid with Salam upon entering.
10. Not passing in front of a person praying
The Prophet ﷺ said:
If the one passing in front of a praying person knew the sin upon him, it would be better for him to wait for forty than to pass in front of him. (Bukhari & Muslim)
11. Placing a Sutrah (barrier)
One should place a sutrah in front while praying and stand close to it.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
If one of you prays, let him pray towards a sutrah and come close to it.
12. Maintaining cleanliness of the Masjid
The Masjid must be kept clean and honored.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Spitting in the Masjid is a sin, and its expiation is to clean it. (Bukhari & Muslim)
13. Avoid buying and selling
Transactions should not take place in the Masjid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
If you see someone buying or selling in the Masjid, say: May Allah not make your trade profitable. (Tirmidhi & An-Nasa’i)
14. Not leaving after the Adhan without prayer
A Muslim should not leave the Masjid after the Adhan until he prays with the congregation.
15. Avoid arguments and loud speech
One must not argue or raise voices in the Masjid. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) rebuked those who did so.
16. Avoid disturbing others with loud recitation
Reciting the Qur’an loudly in a way that disturbs others is not allowed, except in teaching and beneficial instruction.
17. Avoid phone disturbances
Mobile phone disturbances—such as ringing tones or music during prayer—must be avoided. This is from honoring the House of Allah.
18. Giving Salam before leaving
One should offer Salam before leaving the Masjid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
When one of you comes to a gathering, let him greet them; and when he leaves, let him greet them, for the first greeting is not more deserving than the last.
May Allah grant us the ability to honor His Houses and observe their etiquettes properly.
Brought to you by Islamic Affairs Board
