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The Masjid's detailed functions and etiquette
Sources: From my own notes taken attending lectures and islamic lessons.
From Ref Book:
Fortification of the Muslim through remembrance and supplication from the Qu'raan and Sunnah compiled
and referenced by Saeed Ibn Ali Ibn Wahf Al-Qahtaani
Those are practical and useful for the Converts and a refresher for every one.
The Masjid's functions and etiquette:
a) Congregational Prayers: Islam has made performing the prayer in congregation one of the most important duties of a Muslim. Abdullah Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (swt) said: ?Prayer in congregation is better than prayer performed individually by twenty-seven degrees.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
In addition, prayer performed in larger congregations and more distant Masjids carries more reward. Thus, the Masjid serves as a meeting place for Muslims where they get to know news of each other and the community at large. Congregational prayer obviously has many spiritual and social benefits. It reinforces the unity and co-operation of Muslims as it strengthens the ties of brotherhood among them.
After the prayer, Muslims exchange greetings and inquire about one another?s well being. Thus, it becomes easy to notice community members who may be sick, in difficulty, or in need.
b) Entering and Leaving the Masjid: When going to the Masjid, one is encouraged to proceed with calmness and humility. You can make supplications on you way. One of the supplications the Prophet (saw): ?In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah. There is no power or strength except with Allah.? (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi and Al-Nasa?i).
When entering the Masjid, if s/he wants, one can begin and say: ?O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.? Similarly, when leaving the Masjid, he should step out and say: ?O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your bounty.?
If a person enters the Masjid when the prayer has already started, s/he should not rush to catch up as
he might distract those in prayer.
Once, the Prophet (saw) noticed the sound of people rushing to join a prayer in progress and he said to them: ?...When you come to the prayer, come with calmness and tranquillity. Perform whatever part of it you can (with the congregation) and complete what you have missed.? (Related by Al-Bukhari).
c) Greeting Others in the Masjid: The Prophet, (saw), stressed spreading the greeting of peace, ?as-salamu alaykum,? at all times. He said: ?You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I direct you to something which if you do, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among you.? (Related by Muslim).
So, upon entering the Masjid, it is appropriate to greet those who are already there.
d) Performing Two Rak?ats as a Greeting to the Masjid: When one enters the Masjid, it is a Sunnah to perform two rak?ats - which serve as a greeting to the Masjid - before sitting down. The Prophet (saw) said: ?When one of you enters the Masjid, he should perform two rak?ats before sitting down.? (Related by Al-Bukhari).
However, if one enters the Masjid after the iqamah (call for commencement of prayer) is made, he should not initiate any other prayer. On the other hand, if he begins a sunnah prayer and the iqamah is made before completing it, he may either proceed to finish it quickly, or discontinue and join the congregation. The Messenger of Allah, said: ?If the iqamah is made, then no prayer other than the obligatory one should be performed.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
e) Straightening the Rows: Before starting the prayer, the congregation should stand in straight rows without leaving any gaps in between. The Prophet (saw) used to make sure that all the lines were in order and he said:
?Verily, making the rows straight is part of the proper performing of prayer.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). He also said: ?Be close together and straighten your rows.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The rows symbolise the unity, equality and brotherhood of Muslims. There are no privileges or reserved places within the rows. Muslims of all races and nationalities - rich and poor, powerful and weak - stand next to each other in obedience to Allah. They stand shoulder to shoulder, face the same direction, and follow the same Imam in unison.
f) Not Distracting Other People in the Masjid: The Muslim, while in prayer is in private conversation with his/her Lord. It is therefore not permissible to distract him/her in any way. Disturbing someone praying even with audible recitation of the Qur?an is discouraged.
On the other hand, Islam does not forbid engaging in lawful conversation in the Masjid provided someone in prayer is not disturbed.
Furthermore, it is permissible to lye down, eat and drink (in some occasions) in the Masjid. But the sacredness of the Masjid should always be borne in mind and hence it must never be misused.
g) Maintaining the Cleanliness of Masjids: Many of the teachings and practices of Islam emphasise cleanliness and general hygiene. In the Qur?an, the believers are addressed to adorn themselves with their best clothes when going to the Masjid. (Al-A?raf, 7:31).
Masjids being houses of worship deserve the utmost attention of every Muslim to make sure that they are free of any filth or offensive smell.
It must be noted that maintaining the Masjid is the responsibility of every Muslim. Indeed, Muslims must safeguard the premises and property of the Masjid better than even their personal belongings. There are several Ahadith indicating the importance of caring for the Masjids. A?isha, radhiallahu anha, reported: ?He (the Prophet), ordered us to build the Masjids in residential areas; to build them well and purify them.? (Related by Abu Dawud). In another Hadith, Anas Ibn Malik, radhiallahu anhu, reported: ?The rewards of my ummah were placed before me, even for removing a speck of dust from the Masjid.? (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Khuzaymah).
h) Children in the Masjid
Children are leaders of the future and the bearers of Islam to posterity, and they must not be denied the blessings of the Masjid which nurtures the Muslim mind.
Parents should therefore allow their children (male and female) to accompany them to the Masjid so that they get used to the Islamic acts of worship and grow up with obedience to Allah.
Children used to go to the Masjid during the time of the Prophet (saw), and he used to treat them kindly.
Training our children to attend the Masjids with us is more crucial. Parents and elders should bear the children?s distractions as this is the only way to prepare our future generations for their responsibilities towards this religion.
On the other hand, children should be taught to respect the Masjid, the worshippers and observe propriety to the test of their ability. Children should be taught to identify with the Masjid and take proper care of its property.
i) Women and the Masjid
The Islamic Shari?ah permits Women to attend the Masjid to benefit from the lectures, sermons and lessons offered there.
The Prophet (saw) said: ?Do not prevent your women from coming to the Masjid, but their houses are better for them.? (Related by abu Dawud). In another hadith, he said: ?If the wife of one of you asks permission to go to the Masjid, he must not prevent her.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
However, when attending the mosque Women should dress modestly. The Prophet set special lessons for them and also tailored part of his sermons to address women?s issues - especially on Eid days (festivities).
Today, Muslim Women are in need of Islamic education more than ever before. Furthermore, the mother is regarded as the first and most fundamental school for her children and she should have the necessary access to learning so that she, in turn, transmits that knowledge to them. Also, Muslim Women can teach young Muslims, new Muslims and organise women?s programmes in the Islamic Centres and Masjids.
From Ref Book:
Fortification of the Muslim through remembrance and supplication from the Qu'raan and Sunnah compiled
and referenced by Saeed Ibn Ali Ibn Wahf Al-Qahtaani
Those are practical and useful for the Converts and a refresher for every one.
The Masjid's functions and etiquette:
a) Congregational Prayers: Islam has made performing the prayer in congregation one of the most important duties of a Muslim. Abdullah Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (swt) said: ?Prayer in congregation is better than prayer performed individually by twenty-seven degrees.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
In addition, prayer performed in larger congregations and more distant Masjids carries more reward. Thus, the Masjid serves as a meeting place for Muslims where they get to know news of each other and the community at large. Congregational prayer obviously has many spiritual and social benefits. It reinforces the unity and co-operation of Muslims as it strengthens the ties of brotherhood among them.
After the prayer, Muslims exchange greetings and inquire about one another?s well being. Thus, it becomes easy to notice community members who may be sick, in difficulty, or in need.
b) Entering and Leaving the Masjid: When going to the Masjid, one is encouraged to proceed with calmness and humility. You can make supplications on you way. One of the supplications the Prophet (saw): ?In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah. There is no power or strength except with Allah.? (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi and Al-Nasa?i).
When entering the Masjid, if s/he wants, one can begin and say: ?O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.? Similarly, when leaving the Masjid, he should step out and say: ?O Allah, forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your bounty.?
If a person enters the Masjid when the prayer has already started, s/he should not rush to catch up as
he might distract those in prayer.
Once, the Prophet (saw) noticed the sound of people rushing to join a prayer in progress and he said to them: ?...When you come to the prayer, come with calmness and tranquillity. Perform whatever part of it you can (with the congregation) and complete what you have missed.? (Related by Al-Bukhari).
c) Greeting Others in the Masjid: The Prophet, (saw), stressed spreading the greeting of peace, ?as-salamu alaykum,? at all times. He said: ?You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I direct you to something which if you do, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among you.? (Related by Muslim).
So, upon entering the Masjid, it is appropriate to greet those who are already there.
d) Performing Two Rak?ats as a Greeting to the Masjid: When one enters the Masjid, it is a Sunnah to perform two rak?ats - which serve as a greeting to the Masjid - before sitting down. The Prophet (saw) said: ?When one of you enters the Masjid, he should perform two rak?ats before sitting down.? (Related by Al-Bukhari).
However, if one enters the Masjid after the iqamah (call for commencement of prayer) is made, he should not initiate any other prayer. On the other hand, if he begins a sunnah prayer and the iqamah is made before completing it, he may either proceed to finish it quickly, or discontinue and join the congregation. The Messenger of Allah, said: ?If the iqamah is made, then no prayer other than the obligatory one should be performed.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
e) Straightening the Rows: Before starting the prayer, the congregation should stand in straight rows without leaving any gaps in between. The Prophet (saw) used to make sure that all the lines were in order and he said:
?Verily, making the rows straight is part of the proper performing of prayer.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). He also said: ?Be close together and straighten your rows.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The rows symbolise the unity, equality and brotherhood of Muslims. There are no privileges or reserved places within the rows. Muslims of all races and nationalities - rich and poor, powerful and weak - stand next to each other in obedience to Allah. They stand shoulder to shoulder, face the same direction, and follow the same Imam in unison.
f) Not Distracting Other People in the Masjid: The Muslim, while in prayer is in private conversation with his/her Lord. It is therefore not permissible to distract him/her in any way. Disturbing someone praying even with audible recitation of the Qur?an is discouraged.
On the other hand, Islam does not forbid engaging in lawful conversation in the Masjid provided someone in prayer is not disturbed.
Furthermore, it is permissible to lye down, eat and drink (in some occasions) in the Masjid. But the sacredness of the Masjid should always be borne in mind and hence it must never be misused.
g) Maintaining the Cleanliness of Masjids: Many of the teachings and practices of Islam emphasise cleanliness and general hygiene. In the Qur?an, the believers are addressed to adorn themselves with their best clothes when going to the Masjid. (Al-A?raf, 7:31).
Masjids being houses of worship deserve the utmost attention of every Muslim to make sure that they are free of any filth or offensive smell.
It must be noted that maintaining the Masjid is the responsibility of every Muslim. Indeed, Muslims must safeguard the premises and property of the Masjid better than even their personal belongings. There are several Ahadith indicating the importance of caring for the Masjids. A?isha, radhiallahu anha, reported: ?He (the Prophet), ordered us to build the Masjids in residential areas; to build them well and purify them.? (Related by Abu Dawud). In another Hadith, Anas Ibn Malik, radhiallahu anhu, reported: ?The rewards of my ummah were placed before me, even for removing a speck of dust from the Masjid.? (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Khuzaymah).
h) Children in the Masjid
Children are leaders of the future and the bearers of Islam to posterity, and they must not be denied the blessings of the Masjid which nurtures the Muslim mind.
Parents should therefore allow their children (male and female) to accompany them to the Masjid so that they get used to the Islamic acts of worship and grow up with obedience to Allah.
Children used to go to the Masjid during the time of the Prophet (saw), and he used to treat them kindly.
Training our children to attend the Masjids with us is more crucial. Parents and elders should bear the children?s distractions as this is the only way to prepare our future generations for their responsibilities towards this religion.
On the other hand, children should be taught to respect the Masjid, the worshippers and observe propriety to the test of their ability. Children should be taught to identify with the Masjid and take proper care of its property.
i) Women and the Masjid
The Islamic Shari?ah permits Women to attend the Masjid to benefit from the lectures, sermons and lessons offered there.
The Prophet (saw) said: ?Do not prevent your women from coming to the Masjid, but their houses are better for them.? (Related by abu Dawud). In another hadith, he said: ?If the wife of one of you asks permission to go to the Masjid, he must not prevent her.? (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
However, when attending the mosque Women should dress modestly. The Prophet set special lessons for them and also tailored part of his sermons to address women?s issues - especially on Eid days (festivities).
Today, Muslim Women are in need of Islamic education more than ever before. Furthermore, the mother is regarded as the first and most fundamental school for her children and she should have the necessary access to learning so that she, in turn, transmits that knowledge to them. Also, Muslim Women can teach young Muslims, new Muslims and organise women?s programmes in the Islamic Centres and Masjids.