Etiquettes of the Mosque
Mosques are the most beloved places to Allah Almighty. This is why Allah first made the foundation and origin of all mosques, i.e., the Kaaba, prosperous and blessed. Allah Almighty mentioned this in His Holy Book:
“Indeed, the first House (of worship) established for mankind was that at Makkah—blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”
Ref: Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ayah 96
(Translation) The first House appointed for people is the one in Makkah, blessed and a source of guidance (i.e., the House of Allah).
Some commentators have even written that the beginning of the creation of the earth is also from here. Regarding the love of mosques in the sight of Allah, the Prophet ﷺ said:
(Translation) The most beloved places to Allah among all places on earth are mosques, and the most disliked places are markets.
Ref: Sahih Muslim
Mosques are built for remembrance of Allah and worship, therefore they are beloved to Him. The more beloved something is to Allah, the greater its respect, honor, and dignity will be. Therefore, respecting mosques is obligatory upon us. Mosques are also honored because they are directly attributed to Allah, as they are called “Baytullah” (House of Allah).
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, the houses of Allah are the mosques.”
Ref: Tabrani
This means mosques have a special connection with Allah. Divine mercy and blessings descend in them. Those who keep them alive through worship and remembrance receive these blessings. Therefore, disrespecting mosques is disrespecting the greatness of Allah.
Indeed, Allah has made a promise that whoever visits His house for worship, He will honor him.
Those who build and maintain mosques are among the special servants of Allah.
The word mosque (masjid) linguistically means a place of prostration, and in Islamic terminology it refers to a place permanently dedicated for prayer.
Only Muslims have the right to build mosques; polytheists do not have this right. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent disbelievers from building mosques because mosques are built for worship of Allah, and a disbeliever is not eligible for this purpose.
Mosques built by non-Muslims are considered harmful places (Masjid al-Dirar). Non-Muslims are impure in belief, and their entry into mosques is not allowed.
“O you who believe! The polytheists are indeed impure, so they should not approach Al-Masjid Al-Haram after this year.”
Ref: Surah At-Tawbah, 28
Hypocrites should be removed from mosques, and those who falsely claim Islam while holding opposing beliefs should also be removed.
The Prophet ﷺ has taught many manners and rulings regarding mosques. Some important ones are:
When entering the mosque, first step in with the right foot and recite:
“In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me.”
Ref: Mishkat
Then make the intention of I’tikaf while staying in the mosque. If it is not a disliked time, perform two rak’ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
Tahiyyat al-Masjid is Sunnah whenever entering the mosque, and it is not tied to obligatory prayers. If one immediately performs a required or sunnah prayer, it will count in place of it.
If a person enters the mosque repeatedly, it is sufficient to perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid once during that day.
When leaving the mosque, first step out with the left foot, then the right foot. Then recite this supplication:
“In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty (فضل).”
Ref: Mishkat
The importance of keeping the mosque clean and well-maintained for the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ can be understood from the fact that the Prophet ﷺ himself used to clean the mosque with his blessed hands.
It is narrated from Hazrat Yaqub bin Zaid (RA) that the Prophet ﷺ used to remove dust from the mosque using a palm branch.
Ref: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
Similarly, it is reported about Hazrat Umar (RA) that once he went to Masjid Quba on horseback, prayed there, then asked for a palm branch, tied his waist with a cloth, and personally swept the entire mosque.
Ref: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah
It is also narrated from Hazrat Anas (RA) that even a small act such as removing a straw from the mosque was shown its reward, and at the same time, one of the greatest sins shown was forgetting the Qur’an after memorizing it.
Mufti Shafi (RA) states that teaching children Qur’an in the mosque for payment is unanimously not permissible, while teaching without payment for reward has been allowed by some scholars. However, some scholars consider even this not permissible because of the hadith prohibiting bringing children into mosques.
In case of necessity (such as lack of space in madrasas), scholars allow it with certain conditions: teacher should not seek financial gain beyond basic needs, worship and remembrance should not be disturbed, cleanliness and respect of the mosque must be maintained, and young, immature children should not be brought.
Ref: Ahsanul Fatawa, Fatawa Rahimiyah
Respecting the mosque also includes keeping it fragrant and clean. The Prophet ﷺ instructed that mosques should be kept clean and perfumed.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ commanded that homes be made like mosques and kept clean and fragrant.
Ref: Mishkat
The righteous predecessors also followed this practice. Hazrat Umar (RA) used to order that the mosque of Madinah be perfumed every Friday, and he himself used to do it.
Unfortunately, this Sunnah is now largely forgotten.
Nowadays, some practices like keeping plastic prayer caps or mats in mosques are considered against proper respect of the mosque, especially when they spread dirt and smell.
It is also said that just as a person would not wear such clothing in formal gatherings, it is not appropriate to appear in the house of Allah in such condition.
Therefore, using such items inside the mosque is discouraged, and praying with such improper clothing is also disliked.
It is recommended that every person keep a clean and proper cap for prayer, because praying bareheaded is also disliked.
Another issue mentioned is the use of electricity in mosques, which is generally allowed if donations permit its use for educational needs.
However, the more serious concern is maintaining respect and discipline in the mosque. Students often become careless due to frequent presence, leading to noise, arguments, and lack of respect.
Therefore, students should perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid at least once daily, make the intention of I’tikaf when entering, recite “Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Astaghfirullahi wa atubu ilayhi” a few times, avoid noise, fights, and inappropriate talk, and maintain full respect and discipline of the mosque. Teachers and administrators should ensure these manners are followed.
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