Masaajid: The Houses of Allah Ta’ala, Should we attend or not?

We are shown the importance of the Masaajid from the practical demonstration of Sayyiduna Rasūlullāh ﷺ. Upon reaching Madeenah Munawwarah, the first place established by Nabi ﷺ was the Masjid. The lives of the Sahaaba Radiyallahu anhum centred around the Masjid, and the Masjid has always been the nucleus of Muslim society.

In times of difficulty, our Masjid is the place where we seek refuge, where we find solace and comfort. The masjid is the source of strength for our Imaan in facing all adverse conditions. Our hearts are attached to the Masjid and our lives revolve around it.

Sayyiduna Rasulullah ﷺ has said: “The most beloved places to Allah Ta’ala are the Masaajid and the most disliked places are the markets.” [Muslim 671]

When frequenting the Masjid, a Muslim is in the protection of Allah Ta’ala, the All Powerful Protector.

Sayyiduna Rasulullah ﷺ said:”Three people are under the protection of Allah Ta’ala. If they live, He will provide for them and suffice them for their needs and if they pass away, He will grant them entry into Jannah. Whoever enters his home and greets with Assalamu Alaykum is under the protection of Allah

Ta’ala; whoever leaves for the Masjid is under the protection of Allah Ta’ala and whoever goes out in the Path of Allah is under the protection of Allah Ta’ala. [Ibn Hibban 499; Abu Dawud 2486]

Sayyiduna Salmaan Radiyallahu anhu narrates that Sayyiduna Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Whomsoever performs wudhu at home properly, then proceeds to the Masjid is the guest of Allah Ta’ala. It is the obligation of the host to honour his guest. [Tabrani; At-Targhib 2:214; Majma’ 2114]

A person once came to Sayyiduna Anas Radhiyallahu anhu when a strange darkness encompassed them and enquired. Oh Abu Hamza (the title of Anas Radhiyallahu anhu) Did these type of occurrences happen in the time of Sayyiduna Rasūlullāh ﷺ? He replied : We seek the protection of Allah Ta’aala (These things did not occur in the time of Sayyiduna Rasūlullāh ﷺ)

A strong wind would blow and we would hasten to the Masjid in fear of it being qiyamah (The last day). [Abu Dawud 1189]

With regards to the current situation we are facing, the virus (may Allah ta’ala protect us all from it) has spread quite abit even in those areas where most Masaajid are closed.

Many people are currently facing difficulties and challenges through loss of income, separation from loved ones, uncertainty etc. We are desperately in need of Allah Ta’alas Mercy. The Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is descending upon the Masaajid.

The supplication for entering the Masjid is: “O Allah! Open for me the Doors of Your Mercy.”

Another way of obtaining the mercy of Allah Ta’ala is by joining the sufoof.

Sayyiduna Rasūlullāh ﷺ is reported to have said that he who joins  the saff, Allah will join him. (meaning he will join him to his mercy). [Abu Dawud  666]

We were deprived from the House of Allah Ta’ala for a long time. We endured a Ramadaan without the Masaajid. We all know how painful that separation felt. Now that we are granted the opportunity, let us not deny ourselves the privilege of performing Salaat in the House of Allah Ta’ala.

Let us display our gratitude to Allah Ta’ala by:

1. Respecting the Azaan and replying to it.
2. Presenting ourselves early for Salaah with Jama’ah in the Masjid.
3. Spending time in the Masjid in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, recitation of the Noble Quraan and supplicating to Allah with earnestness and sincerity.

Sayyiduna Rasūlullāh ﷺ taught us several Duaas for safety and protection, one of which is the duaa recited upon leaving the home:

Bismillaahi tawakkaltu alallah wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah.

It will be said to the person who recited this (by an angel) “You have been guided, sufficed for and protected, and shaitaan has  avoided you”.[Abu Dawud 5095; Tirmizi 3426]

An appeal to all those special brothers whom, Allah Ta’ala has honoured to be the Mutawalli’s (guardians) of His House, to make access to the Masaajid a comfortable and pleasant one. They should facilitate easy access to the Masjid and not burden anyone with more than that which is required.

Musallees should be encouraged to spend time in the Masjid even out of Salaah times in order to keep the Masjid alive and draw the Mercy of Allah.

Allah Ta’ala reward in full all those who sacrifice their time and energy to look after our Masaajid.

Taking necessary precautions is not contrary to belief and tawakkul (reliance). Recommended means of protection that are not in conflict with Shariah should be adhered to.

For a Muslim the gathering in the Masjid is a necessary one. One that is integral to his spiritual well-being.

We should avoid all unnecessary gatherings such as wedding functions, shopping malls, parties, etc.

Sayyiduna Ali Radiyallahu anhu said:

When people discard any matter of Deen, seeking thereby to rectify their worldly matters, Allah Ta’ala will bring such conditions upon them that will be more harmful and destructive for them. [Zawaaid Kitaabuz Zuhd, ibnul Mubarak, 39]

May Allah Ta’ala guide us to that which draws His Mercy and turn us away from any actions which earn His displeasure. Ameen

Issued by Wifaqul Ulama South Africa