The virtue of building a mosque
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The virtue of building a mosque
Question: ”What kinds of blessings can we attain by participating in building a mosque?”
Answered by:
Sheikh Khâlid b. Sâlih al-Muwayni`
https://wajibad.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/decorative-lines.jpg?w=150 150w, https://wajibad.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/decorative-lines.jpg?w=300
”A mosque is the best of places. It is more blessed and virtuous
than all other places.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved of places to Allah is the mosque, and the most detested of places to Allah is the marketplace.” [Sahîh Muslim]
There is great reward in building a mosque for Allah’s sake.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him likewise in Paradise.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim] In some narrations of this hadith, it reads “Whoever builds a mosque seeking Allah’s pleasure…”It is also narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:“Whoever build a mosque for Allah – be it large or small – Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”[Sunan al-Tirmidhî – and graded as good (hasan) by al-Albânî]
In a narration in Musnad al-Bazzâr that al-Albânî graded as authentic, it reads:
“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah – though it be the size of the ground nest of a sandgrouse – Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”The building of a mosque is a way for a person to continue to earn blessings after death.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Among what continues to accrue for a believer of his good works after death are the following: knowledge that he learned and then imparted to others, a pious child whom he left behind, a copy of the Qur’ân that he bequeathed, a mosque that he built, a guest house he built for travelers, a river that he made to flow, and charity he spends from his wealth when he is in good health – all of this continues to avail him after his death.”[Sunan Ibn Majah and Sunan al-Bayhaqî – and graded as good (hasan) by al-Albânî]
Al-Shawkânî comments on this hadîth in Nayl al-Awtâr (2/213), saying: “This shows that the blessings which are mentioned are for the actual construction of a mosque. It is not enough to designate land as a mosque – or to demarcate the land in some way – without building a structure on it.”
And Allah knows best.
The virtue of cleaning the mosque
What rewared will you et if you clean & prayer in a mosque And look after it also look help the Iman thank you.
Praise be to Allaah.
Taking care of the mosques and tidying the furniture etc inside them is something that is praiseworthy and encouraged. The one who does that will be rewarded by Allaah for this good deed.
Allaah has commanded us to venerate the mosques as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“In houses (mosques) which Allaah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is remembered [i.e. Adhaan, Iqaamah, Salaah (prayers), invocations, recitation of the Qur’aan].
Therein glorify Him (Allaah) in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings,
”Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the remembrance of Allaah (with heart and tongue) nor from performing As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah) nor from giving the Zakaah.
They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (out of the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection)” [al-Noor 24:36-37]
al-Suyooti said: In this verse there is the command to venerate the mosques and cleanse them of idle talk and impure things. From Tafseer al-Qaasimi, 12/214
Another sign that points to the virtue of the one who takes care of that is the report in al-Saheehayn from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah, that a black man or a black woman used to take care of the mosque, then he or she died.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked after him (or her) and was told that he had died. He said: “Why did you not inform me? Show me his grave (or her grave).” Then he went to the grave and offered the funeral prayer over it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 458; Muslim, 956.
And it was narrated by Abu Dawood (455), al-Tirmidhi (594) and Ibn Maajah (759) that ‘Aa’ishah said:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that mosques be built among houses and that they be cleaned and perfumed.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, no. 487.
What is meant by “among houses” is in neighbourhoods and among tribes.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) regarded spitting in the mosque as a sin and said that the expiation for that was burying it. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that Anas said:
The Messenger of Allaah (S) said: “Spitting in the mosque is a sin and its expiation is burying it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 415; Muslim, 552.
Al-Nasaa’i (728) and Ibn Maajah (762) narrated from Anas that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw some sputum in the qiblah of the mosque and he got so angry that his face turned red.
Then a woman from among the Ansaar came and scratched it and put some perfume in that place. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “What a good deed this is.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i and Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
And it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) removed that himself as was narrated in al-Saheehayn where it says that ‘Aa’ishah said: “He saw some sputum on the wall of the mosque and scratched it off.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 407; Muslim, 549.
And there are da’eef ahaadeeth narrated concerning that which we will quote here only in order to explain that they are weak. In the saheeh reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) there is sufficient evidence that we have no need of the weak reports.
Abu Dawood (461) and al-Tirmidhi (2916) narrated the hadeeth, “I was shown the rewards of my ummah for different deeds, even a speck of dirt that someone removes from the mosque.” This hadeeth was classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi.
Ibn Maajah (757) narrated a hadeeth, “Whoever removes anything harmful from the mosque, Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.” This hadeeth was classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef ibn Maajah.
With regard to looking after the imam, Imam Muslim said in the introduction to his Saheeh:
“The man of high status should be given the respect to which he is entitled, and the one who has a low level of knowledge should not be elevated above his status. Every person should be given his due (of respect) and should be honoured in accordance with his status. It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that she said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to give people due respect.”
If the imam is a person of virtue, knowledge and righteousness, then love for him comes under the heading of loving and respecting the righteous. This is a righteous deed.
But it should be noted that the matter should not be allowed to go to the extreme of seeking blessing (barakah) from the imam or touching him (for the purpose of seeking blessing) as some people do, for this is not part of the teaching of the earliest Muslims, either their imams or their scholars.
And Allaah knows best.
Source: Islamqa.info
Whoever Build a Mosque for the Sake of Allah. Allah will Build for him in Paradise One Like That
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
IN HOUSES (MOSQUES), WHICH ALLAH HAS ORDERED TO BE RAISED (TO BE CLEANED, AND TO BE HONOURED), IN THEM HIS NAME IS REMEMBERED [I.E. ADHAN, IQAMAH, SALAT (PRAYERS), INVOCATIONS, RECITATION OF THE QUR’AN ETC.]. THEREFORE GLORIFY HIM (ALLAH) IN THE MORNINGS AND IN THE AFTERNOONS OR THE EVENINGS {An-Nur 24:36}
‘A’ishah (Radi-Allahu ‘Anha) said:
“THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH COMMANDED US TO BUILD MASJIDS AMONG THE HOUSES, AND TO CLEAN THEM AND PERFUME THEM.” [Ahmad & Sunan]
`Umar (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) said:
“BUILD FOR THE PEOPLE A PLACE TO WORSHIP ALLAH, AND BEWARE OF USING RED OR YELLOW FOR ADORNMENT AND DECORATION AND DISTRACTING THE PEOPLE THEREBY.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“THERE ARE SEVEN WHOM ALLAH WILL SHADE IN HIS SHADE ON THE DAY WHEN THERE IS NO SHADE EXCEPT HIS SHADE.
1. A JUST RULER;
2. A YOUTH WHO GREW UP IN THE WORSHIP OF ALLAH, THE MIGHTY AND MAJESTIC;
3. A MAN WHOSE HEART IS ATTACHED TO THE MOSQUES,
4. TWO MEN WHO LOVE EACH OTHER FOR ALLAH’S SAKE, MEETING FOR THAT AND PARTING UPON THAT.
5. A MAN WHO IS CALLED BY A WOMAN OF BEAUTY AND POSITION, BUT HE SAYS: ‘I FEAR ALLAH’;
6. A MAN WHO GIVES IN CHARITY AND HIDES IT, SUCH THAT HIS LEFT HAND DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HIS RIGHT HAND GIVES IN CHARITY;
7. AND A MAN WHO REMEMBERED ALLAH IN PRIVATE SO HIS EYES SHED TEARS.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“WHEN YOU PASS BY THE GARDENS OF JANNAT THEN EAT FROM ITS FRUIT. IT WAS ASKED YA RASULULLAH WHAT ARE THE GARDENS OF JANNAT? HE REPLIED THE ‘MASJID’. THEN IT WAS ASKED YA RASULULLAH WHAT IS MEANT BY EATING ITS FRUIT? HE REPLIED ‘TO READ KALIMA (SUBAHANALLAHI WALHAMDULILLAHI WA LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WALLAAHU AKBAR). [Tirmidhi]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“WHEN YOU BEGIN TO ADORN YOUR MASJID (WITH SUCH BEAUTIFICATIONS THAT INTERFERE IN SALAH), AND WHEN YOU ADORN THE QURAN’S IN SUCH A WAY (THAT IT IS A DISTURBANCE IN THE HEART) THEN KNOW THAT THIS IS YOUR TIME OF DESTRUCTION.”
Ibn Abbas (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) says that,
“EXCESSIVE DECORATION OF THE MASJID IS A CUSTOM OF THE JEWS AND CHRISTIANS. AND IT IS A TONE OF GRIEF HE PREDICTED” [Abu Dawud]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“I WAS NOT ORDERED TO RENOVATE THE MOSQUE” [Abu Dawud]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“WHOEVER BUILDS A MOSQUE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH, ALLAH WILL BUILD FOR HIM IN PARADISE ONE LIKE THAT.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“THE MOST BELOVED PLACES TO ALLAH ARE THE MOSQUES AND THE MOST HATED PLACES TO ALLAH ARE THE MARKET PLACES.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“ALLAH WILL PREPARE FOR HIM WHO GOES TO THE MOSQUE (EVERY) MORNING AND AFTERNOON (FOR THE CONGREGATIONAL SALAH) AN HONOURABLE PLACE IN
PARADISE WITH GOOD HOSPITALITY FOR HIS GOING (TO THE MOSQUE) EVERY MORNING AND AFTERNOON.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“HE WHO PURIFIES HIMSELF (PERFORMS WUDU) IN HIS HOUSE AND THEN WALKS TO ONE OF THE HOUSES OF ALLAH (MOSQUE) FOR PERFORMING AN OBLIGATORY ACT (I.E. TO PERFORM SALAH), ONE STEP OF HIS WILL WIPE OUT HIS SINS AND ANOTHER STEP WILL EXALT HIM IN STATUS (IN PARADISE).” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“THE PERSON WHO WILL RECEIVE THE HIGHEST REWARD FOR THE SALAH IS THE ONE WHO COMES TO PERFORM IT IN THE MOSQUE FROM THE FARTHEST DISTANCE. AND HE WHO WAITS TO PERFORM THE SALAH WITH THE IMAM (IN CONGREGATION) WILL HAVE A GREATER REWARD THAN THE ONE WHO PERFORMS IT ALONE AND THEN GOES TO SLEEP.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:“CONVEY GLAD TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO WALK TO THE MOSQUE IN THE DARKNESS. FOR THEY WILL BE GIVEN FULL LIGHT ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION.” [Abu Dawud]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:“SHALL I GUIDE YOU TO THAT BY WHICH ALLAH OBLITERATES THE SINS AND ELEVATES THE RANKS (OF A MUSLIM)?”
THE COMPANION SAID” CERTAINLY, O MESSENGER OF ALLAH.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“(IT IS) PERFORMING WUDU’ COMPLETELY DESPITE DISCOMFORT, WALKING A LONG WAY TO MOSQUES AND WAITING FOR THE NEXT SALAH AFTER PERFORMING A SALAH. AND THAT IS THE RIBAT (REMAINING ON GUARD IN THE FRONTIER FACING THE ENEMY) FOR YOU.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“THERE ARE SIX SITTINGS IN WHICH A PERSON IS GUARANTEED THE SAFEKEEPING OF ALLAH, THE MOST HIGH, AS LONG AS HE IS IN ONE OF THEM: IN A CONGREGATIONAL MOSQUE; WITH A SICK PERSON; AT A FUNERAL; IN HIS HOUSE; WITH A JUST RULER WHOM HE SUPPORTS AND TREATS WITH RESPECT; OR AT A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING JIHAD.” [At-Tabarani & Bazzaar]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “ONE SALAH IN MASJID-UL-HARAM IS MORE MERITORIOUS THAN A HUNDRED THOUSAND PRAYERS IN ANY OTHER MOSQUE.” [Ibn Majah]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“ONE SALAH IN IT (THE PROPHET’S MOSQUE) IS BETTER THAN ONE THOUSAND PRAYERS PERFORMED IN ANY OTHER MOSQUE EXCEPT IN THE MASJID-UL-HARAM.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“O PEOPLE! PERFORM YOUR (VOLUNTARY) SALAH IN YOUR HOMES BECAUSE THE BEST SALAH OF A MAN IS THE ONE HE PERFORMS AT HOME, EXCEPT THE OBLIGATORY SALAH.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“YOU SHOULD OBSERVE PART OF THE VOLUNTARY SALAH IN YOUR HOMES. DO NOT TURN YOUR HOMES INTO GRAVES.”[Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“IF ANYONE OF YOU ENTERS A MOSQUE, HE SHOULD PRAY TWO RAK’AHS BEFORE SITTING.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“SPITTING IN THE MOSQUE IS A SIN AND ITS EXPIATION IS TO BURY IT.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“HE WHO EATS GARLIC OR ONIONS SHOULD KEEP AWAY FROM US (OR, KEEP AWAY FROM OUR MOSQUE). LET HIM STAY AT HOME.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“IF YOU SEE SOMEONE BUYING OR SELLING INSIDE THE MOSQUE, SAY: ‘MAY ALLAH NOT MAKE YOUR TRADING PROFITABLE!” [Tirmidhi]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“HE WHO HEARS A MAN ASKING PEOPLE IN THE MOSQUE ABOUT HIS LOST ITEM, SAY TO HIM, ‘MAY ALLAH NEVER HELP YOU RECOVER IT!’ MOSQUES ARE NOT BUILT FOR THIS PURPOSE.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“THE ANGELS INVOKE BLESSINGS ON EVERYONE AMONG YOU SO LONG AS HE REMAINS SEATED IN THE PLACE WHERE HE HAS PERFORMED SALAH AND WITHOUT BREAKING HIS WUDU. THEY (THE ANGELS) SAY: O ALLAH! PARDON HIM. O ALLAH! HAVE MERCY ON THEM.” [Bukhari]
EXCELLENCE OF MOSQUE, DEFINITION OF MOSQUE:
Mosque literally means ‘a place for self-prostration, that is, a place formally designated for the saying of prayers. The mosque is a house of God-fearing people.
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
﴾ فِى بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالاٌّصَالِ ﴿
”In houses (Mosques), which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His name is remembered [i.e. Adhan, Iqamah, Salat (prayers), invocations, recitation of the Qur’an etc.]. Therefore glorify Him (Allah) in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings.” [An-Nur 24:36]
Having likened the heart of the believer and what it contains of guidance and knowledge to a lamp lit with good oil shining in a clear glass, Allah then states where it belongs, which is in the Masjids, the places on earth that are most beloved to Allah. The Masjids are His houses where He Alone is worshipped.
So Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
﴾ فِى بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ ﴿
In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised
The ‘houses’ are those Mosque that were dedicated to the worship of Allah. And verily, the Mosque light up the earth for the inhabitants of the heavens, just as stars light up the heavens for the inhabitants of the earth.
`A’ishah (Radi-Allahu ‘Anha) said:
“The Messenger of Allah commanded us to build Masjids among the houses, and to clean them and perfume them.” [Ahmad & Sunan]
`Umar (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) said:
“Build for the people a place to worship Allah, and beware of using red or yellow for adornment and decoration and distracting the people thereby.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
«لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَتَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ»
“The Hour will not come until people show off in building Masjids.” [Ahmad & Sunan]
Buraydah narrated that a man called out in the Masjid and said,
“Has any body said anything about a red camel”
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
«لَا، وَجَدْتَ، إِنَّمَا بُنِيَتِ الْمَسَاجِدُ لِمَا بُنِيَتْ لَهُ»
“May you never find it! The Masjids were built only for what they were built for.” [Muslim]
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
﴾ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ ﴿
In them His Name is remembered
Meaning, the Name of Allah. This is like the Ayah:
﴾ يَـبَنِى ءَادَمَ خُذُواْ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ ﴿
”O Children of Adam! Take your adornment to every Masjid…” [Al-A’raf 7:31]
﴾ وَأَقِيمُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ ﴿
”And you should face (Him only) in each and every Masjid, and invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him.” [Al-A’raf 7:29]
﴾ وَأَنَّ الْمَسَـجِدَ لِلَّهِ ﴿
And the Masjids are for Allah. [Al-Jinn 72:18.]
﴾ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ ﴿
In them His Name is remembered
Ibn `Abbas (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) said, “This means that His Book is recited therein.”
﴾ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالاٌّصَالِ ﴿
Therein glorify Him in the mornings and in the evenings
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“There are seven whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade except His shade. A just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position, but he says: ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private so his eyes shed tears.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“When you pass by the gardens of Jannat then eat from its fruit. It was asked ya Rasulullah what are the gardens of Jannat? He replied the ‘Masjid’. Then it was asked ya Rasulullah what is meant by eating its fruit? He replied ‘to read Kalima (Subahanallahi Walhamdulillahi Wa La Ilaha Illallahu Wallaahu Akbar). [Tirmidhi]
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَـجِدَ اللهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الاٌّخِرِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَوةَ وَءاتَى الزَّكَوةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلاَّ اللهَ فَعَسَى أُوْلَـئِكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ ﴿
”The mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, perform As-Salat (Iqamat –as-Salat), and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are on true guidance.” [At-Taubah 9:18]
The pre-occupation with decorating the mosque and beautifying them endlessly is certainly not the purpose behind which the mosques are built and nor should it be the sole concern of the mosque committees. Let us bear in mind the humble construction of the Prophet’s Mosque.
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says:
﴾ إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَـجِدَ اللهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الاٌّخِرِ ﴿
”The Masjids of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.”
Therefore, Allah testifies to the faith of those who maintain the Masjids. The Masjids are the Houses of Allah on the earth. It is a promise from Allah that He is generous to those who visit Him in the Masjids. Also Masjids should be maintain by those slave of Allah who singles out Allah (in worship), has faith in the Last Day and who believes in what Allah has revealed,
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says next,
﴿وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَوةَ﴾
Perform the Salah
One of the major acts of worship practiced by the body, establishes the five daily prayers,
﴾ وَءَاتَى الزَّكَوةَ ﴿
And give the Zakah
This is the best act that benefits other people,
﴾ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلاَّ اللهَ ﴿
And fear none but Allah
They fear only Allah, the Exalted, and none else,
﴾ فَعَسَى أُوْلَـئِكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ ﴿
It is they who are on true guidance
It is they who are the successful ones in truth.’
Similarly, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says to His Prophet,
﴾ عَسَى أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَاماً مَّحْمُودًا ﴿
It may be that your Lord will raise you to Maqam Mahmud. [Al-Isra’ 17:79]
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) says here, Your Lord (O Muhammad) shall grant you a station of praise, that is, the intercession (on the Day of Resurrection).
Abu Hurayrah (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) says that,
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“When you begin to adorn your Masjid (with such beautifications that interfere in Salah), and when you adorn the Quran’s in such a way (that it is a disturbance in the heart) then know that this is your time of destruction.”
Ibn Abbas (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) says that,
“Excessive decoration of the Masjid is a custom of the Jews and Christians. And it is a tone of grief he predicted” [Abu Dawud]
The Masjid had a great significance in the life of Muhammad. On immediate arrival in Madinah, he went forth to locate a suitable location for a Masjid and organized its construction. It is a sign from him that the Masjid is a vital cornerstone in the building of any Muslim community and indeed the Islamic State. It is the responsibility of the mosque committees, the Imams and the local Muslim community to ensure that the mosques are always a reflection of Islam.
Anas ibn Malik (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) related that,
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
‘Whoever Allah loves should love me. Whoever loves me should love the Sahabah. Whoever loves the Sahabah should love the Qur’an. Whoever loves the Qur’an should love the mosques, for they are the courtyards of Allah which were built with the permission of Allah that they be raised up and He has blessed them what is in them. Its people are blessed and its people are protected while they are in their prayers. Allah is seeing to their needs while they are in their mosques and Allah is before them.”
The Muslim community has a duty to remind those who run the mosques and the Imams that the mosque should remain a place where Islam is the reference point and all Islamic affairs are discussed.
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“I was not ordered to renovate the Mosque” [Abu Dawud]
In the life time of Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet’s Mosque was built of adobes, its roof was of the leaves of date-palms and its pillars were of the stems of date-palms.
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him in Paradise one like that.” [Muslim]
‘Umar (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) extended it on the same pattern as it was in the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger by using adobes, leaves of date-palms and changing the pillars into wooden ones. ‘Uthman (Radi-Allahu ‘Anhu) changed it by expanding it to a great extent and built its walls from engraved stones and lime and made its pillars of engraved stones and its roof of teak wood.
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“The most beloved places to Allah are the mosques and the most hated places to Allah are the market places.” [Muslim]
EXCELLENCE OF WALKING TOWARDS THE MOSQUE:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and afternoon (for the congregational Salah) an honourable place in Paradise with good hospitality for his going (to the mosque) every morning and afternoon.” [Bukhari]
There was a man of the Ansar whose house was the farthest from the mosque and he never missed the Salah (in congregation).
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“He who purifies himself (performs Wudu) in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory act (i.e. to perform Salah), one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will exalt him in status (in Paradise).” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“The person who will receive the highest reward for the Salah is the one who comes to perform it in the mosque from the farthest distance. And he who waits to perform the Salah with the Imam (in congregation) will have a greater reward than the one who performs it alone and then goes to sleep.” [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Convey glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in the darkness. For they will be given full light on the day of Resurrection.” [Abu Dawud]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Shall I guide you to that by which Allah obliterates the sins and elevates the ranks (of a Muslim)?”
The companion said” Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“(It is) performing Wudu’ completely despite discomfort, walking a long way to mosques and waiting for the next Salah after performing a Salah. And that is the Ribat (remaining on guard in the frontier facing the enemy) for you.” [Muslim]
VIRTUES OF SOME MOSQUES:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“There are six sittings in which a person is guaranteed the safekeeping of Allah, the Most High, as long as he is in one of them: In a congregational mosque; with a sick person; at a funeral; in his house; with a just ruler whom he supports and treats with respect; or at a place where people are fighting jihad.” [At-Tabarani & Bazzaar]
“Masjid-ul-Haram” (the Sacred Mosque at Makkah) was established first on the earth and than the next one was “Masjid-ul-Aqsa” (in Jerusalem). The time lapse between them was Forty years.
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“One Salah in Masjid-ul-Haram is more meritorious than a hundred thousand prayers in any other mosque.” [Ibn Majah]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“One Salah in it (the Prophet’s Mosque) is better than one thousand prayers performed in any other mosque except in the Masjid-ul-Haram.” [Muslim]
VIRTUE OF PRAYING VOLUNTARY PRAYERS AT HOME:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“O people! Perform your (voluntary) Salah in your homes because the best Salah of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salah.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“You should observe part of the voluntary Salah in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves.” [Muslim]
TAHIYAT-UL-MASJID
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“If anyone of you enters a mosque, he should pray two Rak’ahs before sitting.” [Bukhari]
SPITTING IN THE MOSQUE:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Spitting in the mosque is a sin and its expiation is to bury it.” [Bukhari]
Nowadays, spitting in the Mosque constitutes a great harm because floors are now carpeted or tiled, and it is not possible to “bury” the spittle.
PROHIBITION OF EATING ONIONS OR GARLIC BEFORE COMING TO THE MOSQUE:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“He who eats garlic or onions should keep away from us (or, keep away from our mosque). Let him stay at home.” [Muslim]
PURCHASE & SALE IN MOSQUE:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“If you see someone buying or selling inside the mosque, say: ‘May Allah not make your trading profitable!” [Tirmidhi]
This means that mosques should not be treated as markets, because it will affect the dignity of the mosque and the Salah.
TYPE OF DISCUSSION PERMITTED IN THE MOSQUE:
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta ‘ala) issues a stern warning;
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن مَّنَعَ مَسَـجِدَ اللهِ أَن يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَى فِى خَرَابِهَآ أُوْلَـئِكَ مَا كَانَ لَهُمْ أَن يَدْخُلُوهَآ إِلاَّ خَآئِفِينَ لَهُمْ فِى الدُّنْيَا خِزْىٌ وَلَهُمْ فِى الاٌّخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ
”And who are more unjust than those who forbid that Allah‘s Name be mentioned (i.e. prayers and invocations) in Allah‘s Masjids and strive for their ruin It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them (Allah‘s Masjids) except in fear. For them there is disgrace in this world, and they will have a great torment in the Hereafter.” [Al-Baqarah 2:114]
SEEKING LOST ITEMS IN MOSQUES:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“He who hears a man asking people in the mosque about his lost item, say to him, ‘May Allah never help you recover it!’ Mosques are not built for this purpose.” [Muslim]
EXCELLENCE OF SWEEPING THE MOSQUE:
A black man or a black woman used to clean (sweep) the mosque and he or she died. The Prophet Muhammad asked about her (or him). He was told that she (or he) had died. He said:
“Why did you not inform me? Show me his grave (or her grave).”
So he went to her (his) grave and performed her (his) funeral Salah.” [Bukhari]
EXCELLENCE OF WAITING FOR THE SALAH:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“The angels invoke blessings on everyone among you so long as he remains seated in the place where he has performed Salah and without breaking his Wudu. They (the angels) say: O Allah! Pardon him. O Allah! Have mercy on them.” [Bukhari]
WHAT TO SAY ON ENTERING AND COMING OUT OF THE MOSQUE:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“When one of you enters a mosque, let him say:
“Allahumma iftah lee rahmatika”
“O Allah! Open for me the doors of your Mercy.”
And when he steps out let him say:
“Allahumma inee as aluka min fadlika”
“O Allah! I ask you of your bounty.” [Muslim]
ABOMINATION OF PERFORMING SALAH IN GRAVEYARDS:
The Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“Perform some of your (voluntary) Salah at home, and do not take your houses as graves”. [Bukhari]
This is because it is impermissible to pray in graveyards. Therefore, by not praying in your homes, you make it like a graveyard.
Source: Riffat73.wordpress.com
Virtues of keeping the Masjid clean
It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah(RA) said:
“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that mosques should be built among the houses (i.e., in each neighbourhood), and that they should be cleaned and perfumed.” (narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 594; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 279).
The Blessed Prophet(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whosoever removes adhaa (anything repulsive or harmful) from the Masjid, Allah will make a house for him in Jannah.” (ibn majah)
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) passed by a grave and asked his companions about it. His companions replied it is the grave of Umm Muhjan. The Prophet (S) rebuked them because they did not inform him of her death and then prayed the funeral prayer over her.
He then said: ‘Why did you not inform me?’ They replied- you were sleeping and we did not like to wake you’. The Prophet prayed for her and had great respect for her as she used to spend her efforts in cleaning the house of Allah and the Prophet’s masjid.” (Related by Muslim)
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that a black man (or a black woman) used to clean the mosque, and he died. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked about him, and they said that he had died. He said, “Why did you not tell me? Show me his grave.” (Or he said, “her grave.”) So he went to her grave and offered the funeral prayer for her. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 458; Muslim, 956).
Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari, “The hadeeth indicates the virtue of cleaning the mosque, inquiring after servants and after friends if they are absent.”
“Spitting in the Masjid is a sin and its expiation is clean it.” When the prophet (S.A.W.) saw a spit in the Masjid, he used to remove it with a stone. The companions of the prophet (S.A.W.) used keep the Masjid clean. Imam Abu Dawod reported that Abdullah bin Omar (R.A.) used to put perfume inside the Masjid when Omar (R.A.) sat on the Minbar to deliver Friday speech.
Source: As-sahabah.org