Talking in the Masjid
Reading Time: 3 minutes
It is a highly meritorious act to remain in the Masjid waiting for the next Salaat whilst engaging in the recitation of the Qur’aan, Thikrullah, Nafl Ibaadat, and Dua. The Ahaadith are replete with the virtues of such a person.
1. Among the seven groups of people who will be under the shade of Allah’s Mercy on the Day of Qiyaamah, when there will be no shade besides His Mercy, is the man whose heart remains attached to the Masjid, awaiting the next Salaat after having performed one Salaat.
2. The Malaaikah supplicate for the mercy of that person who remains seated in the spot where he performed his Salaat in Jamaat.
3. The Malaaikah make Istighfaar for him.
4. Remaining in the Masjid waiting for Salaat is among the salient features of Islamic Zuhd (detachment from the world).
5. One of the means of expiation of sins is remaining in the Masjid after one Salaat while waiting for the next. (Mishkaat)
Thus, those fortunate ones who remain in the Masjid in this manner are engaged in an extremely virtuous and rewarding act. Their rank by Allah Ta’ala is lofty. If they make a firm resolve to remain with the Niyyat of I’tikaaf and further adorn their time with the recitation of the Qur’aan, abundant Thikr, Nafl Salaat, and Du’a, then their rewards will multiply manifold.
However, those who pollute this blessed environment with idle talk, worldly conversations, gheebat (backbiting), and other futile activities commit a heinous sin. The same extent to which the virtues of staying in the Masjid are immense, so too is the sin of desecrating this sanctified place with nonsensical and haraam talk.
Fataawa Aalamgiri states that among the 15 etiquettes of the Masjid, the seventh is: “No worldly talk should take place in the Masjid.” (Vol. 5, Pg. 321) Speaking of worldly affairs, indulging in backbiting, or engaging in useless chatter is a major sin. The Ahaadith are explicit in warning against this are that speaking in the Masjid extinguishes one’s good deeds just as fire destroys wood or animals consume grass.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “A time will come when people will engage in worldly discussions and vain talk inside the Masjid. Do not sit with such people. Allah has no need for them.” (Bayhaqi)
The Masjid is the Court of Allah, the King of all kings. How then can it be reduced to a centre of idle chatter? Respect and reverence are Waajib. It is imperative that time in the Masjid is spent exclusively in Ibaadat, and one must safeguard himself from futile speech and sinful indulgences. If someone engages in such misdeeds, he should be gently and respectfully corrected.
Allah is the Bestower of Hidaayat.
(multiple sources)
BELOW ARE THE FIVE BENEFITS MENTIONED WITH HADITH
1. Under the Shade of Allah’s Throne on Qiyaamah – Rasulullah ﷺ said that among the seven groups of people who will be under the shade of Allah’s Mercy on the Day of Qiyaamah, when there will be no shade besides His Mercy, is “a man whose heart is attached to the Masjid.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
2. Angels supplicating for mercy – Rasulullah ﷺ said: “The angels continue praying for a person as long as he remains at his place of Salaah, saying, ‘O Allah! Forgive him. O Allah! Have mercy on him.’” (Bukhari, Muslim)
3. Angels praying for forgiveness – The Malaaikah also make Istighfaar (seek forgiveness) for such a person, increasing his ranks and cleansing his sins.
4. Remaining in the Masjid waiting for Salaat is among the salient features of Islamic Zuhd (detachment from the world) – The love for the Masjid and eagerness to wait for the next Salaat is a sign of a purified heart. Rasulullah ﷺ said:
“Shall I not inform you of actions by which Allah wipes away sins and raises ranks? Performing Wudhu properly despite difficulties, taking many steps to the Masjid, and waiting for the next Salaah after completing one. This is Ribaat (continuous guarding in Allah’s path).” (Muslim)
5. Atonement of sins – The same Hadith from Muslim confirms that waiting for the next Salaat serves as an expiation for sins.
