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Proper Mosque Behavior: Forbidden and Acceptable Actions in Islam

Disliked and Permissible Acts in Mosques: A Jurisprudential and Ethical Study




Mosques are the houses of Allah, places of worship and piety, which Islam has given great  status and established special etiquette for worshipers to follow. In this article, we will examine what is disliked (makruh) and what is permissible in mosques, based on evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, while explaining the wisdom behind these rulings.


Introduction

Mosques are centers of worship and monotheism. Allah has commanded their glory and honor, saying: **{In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised and in which His name is remembered...}** (An-Nur: 36). Therefore, certain acts are disliked in mosques because they disrupt concentration or disturb worshipers, while other acts are religiously permissible. This article is divided into two main sections:  

1. **Disliked acts in mosques**  

2. **Permissible acts in mosques**  

Section One: Disliked Acts in Mosque


                                                 

1. Raising Voices in Ways That Disturb Worshippers

It is disliked to raise one's voice in the mosque in ways that distract worshipers or disrupt their concentration, whether through loud talking, laughter, or reciting the Qur’an loudly if it bothers others. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: **"When one of you is in prayer, he is speaking privately with his Lord, so let him be mindful of what he says, and let none of you recite the Qur’an loudly over others."** (Narrated by Malik in Al-Muwatta)


2. Buying and Selling in the Mosque

Commercial transactions are disliked in mosques because they weren't built for this purpose. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: **"If you see someone buying or selling in the mosque, say: 'May Allah not profit your trade.'"** (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi). Exceptions include charity sales or institutions for the mosque.


3. Disturbing Others With Footsteps or Walking Between Rows

Walking between prayer rows or in front of worshipers is disliked if it causes disturbance, especially in crowded mosques. Likewise, walking with noisy footwear is discouraged. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: **"When you hear the iqamah, walk to prayer with calmness and dignity, and do not rush."** (Agreed upon)

4. Sleeping in the Mosque Without Need

Sleeping in the mosque is disliked unless necessary, such as for travelers or stranded people. Unnecessary sleep may lead to neglecting mosque cleanliness or disturbing worshipers.

5. Arguments and Disputes in the Mosque

Contentious debates and quarrels are disliked in mosques as they violate the sanctity of the place. Allah says: **{The mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone along with Allah.}** (Al-Jinn: 18). Arguments may lead to fights, which Islam prohibits.

6. Stepping Over People's Necks to Reach Front Rows

Stepping over worshipers to reach the front rows is disliked because it harms them. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: **"For one of you to sit until sunset is better than stepping over his brother's neck."** (Narrated by At-Tabarani)

7. Bringing Disorderly Children

Bringing young children who cannot control themselves is disliked if they cause chaos or disturbance, unless the parent can manage them.

Section Two: Permissible Acts in Mosques


1. Eating and Drinking When Necessary

Eating or drinking in the mosque is permissible when needed, such as for breaking fast or post-Eid meals. The Companions would eat in the mosque during the Prophet's time.

2. Sleeping in the Mosque When Necessary

Sleeping is permissible for travelers or those in need, as some Companions slept in the mosque (Ahl As-Suffah).

3. Permissible Conversations

Quiet conversations about permissible matters are allowed if they don't disturb others. The Prophet ﷺ said: **"When one of you is in the mosque, he should not say: 'O Allah, forgive me; O Allah, have mercy on me,' for this is sinful. Rather, he should say: 'My Lord, forgive me; my Lord, have mercy on me.'"** (Narrated by Ibn Majah)

4. Teaching and Holding Lectures

Teaching religious knowledge and holding classes is not only permissible but encouraged. The Prophet ﷺ taught in the mosque and said: **"Whoever comes to this mosque of mine only to learn or teach goodness is like a mujahid in Allah's cause."** (Narrated by Ibn Majah)

5. Hosting Charity Meals

Charity banquets (like for feeding the poor or Ramadan iftars) are permissible if they don't cause disorder.

6. Cleaning and Maintaining the Mosque

Cleaning and repairing mosques is not just permissible but virtuous. The Prophet ﷺ said: **"Spitting in the mosque is a sin, and its expiation is to bury it."** (Agreed upon)

7. Sitting to Rest or Wait

Sitting for rest or waiting is permissible as long as one doesn't disturb others.


Conclusion

Mosques have sanctity and holiness that Muslims must preserve by avoiding disliked acts and adhering to proper etiquette. Those who respect mosque etiquette earn great reward, while violators transgress against Allah's house. Let us all honor mosques so they remain places of devotion and reverence as Allah intended.





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