Photo: Collected
The mosque is the house of Allah the Almighty. Here His remembrance and worship take place, His greatness and glory are described, and His oneness (tawhid) and lordship (rububiyyah) are discussed. Allah the Almighty says, ‘In those houses which Allah has ordered to be honoured and in which His name is to be remembered. In them, morning and evening, His glory is proclaimed by those people whom neither trade nor buying and selling makes heedless of the remembrance of Allah, of establishing prayer and of paying zakat…’ (Surah An-Nur, verse 36)
Wishing for the overall well-being of the mosque means hoping that a mosque is established in every village, that they are run properly and well, that they are filled with worshippers and those who remember Allah, and that through this the light of guidance spreads everywhere. This is not only an important aspect of one’s relationship with the mosque, but also a part of faith. On the other hand, wishing any kind of ill for the mosque is a sign of extreme disrespect towards it and of disbelief.
In the heart of a believer there is a deep pull or spiritual attraction towards the mosque and prayer. Those whose hearts are always steeped in such a feeling are truly the mosque-oriented servants. It is not just being physically present at the mosque, but rather feeling a kind of restlessness and eagerness in the mind for the call to the next prayer after leaving the mosque. On the Day of Resurrection seven categories of people will receive shade under the Throne of Allah, and one of them is the person whose heart remains attached to the mosque. (Bukhari, hadith 660)
Ways to turn the heart towards the mosque
The mosque is the centre of the peace of a believer’s heart and of spiritual advancement. A believer can turn his heart towards the mosque through good intention and a few effective habits. Some of the ways are set out below:
Acquiring knowledge about the virtues of the mosque
By nature, people run after gain. Knowing the benefit or reward of a deed increases interest in that deed. So, to build a mosque-oriented life, it is first necessary to realise the virtues and status of the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘The most beloved places to Allah are the mosques. And the worst places are the markets.’ (Muslim, hadith 671)
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘The mosques are the houses of Allah on earth. They appear as bright to the dwellers of the heavens as the stars of the sky appear bright to the dwellers of the earth.’ (Tabarani, Al-Mujam al-Kabir, hadith 10608)
Reflecting on the reward of offering prayer in congregation
Reflecting on the reward of offering prayer in congregation increases the eagerness to go to the mosque. This is because offering prayer in congregation earns 27 times more reward than offering prayer alone. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘Offering prayer in congregation is 27 times more meritorious than offering prayer alone.’ (Bukhari, hadith 645)
Taking part in the activities and service of the mosque
The mosque is not only a place of prayer; it is also a centre for acquiring knowledge and a social centre for Muslims. Taking part in the educational activities of the mosque increases faith and gives rise to love for the mosque. Attending religious discussions or lessons at the mosque earns the reward of a complete hajj. Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) said the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever goes to the mosque only to acquire beneficial (religious) knowledge or to impart that knowledge, for him there is the reward of a complete hajj.’ (Tabarani, Mujam al-Kabir, hadith 7473)
Regarding the mosque as a fortress for protection from Satan’s attacks
Offering prayer alone means becoming easy prey for Satan. And by offering prayer in congregation at the mosque, a believing servant finds shelter in a secure fortress that protects him from the whisperings of Satan. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘If three people live together in a settlement or in the wilderness and yet do not offer prayer in congregation, Satan gains mastery over them. So hold fast to the congregation, because the wolf (tiger) eats the goat that strays from the flock.’ (Abu Dawud, hadith 547)
Choosing good mosque-oriented companions
On the path to becoming mosque-oriented, a mosque-oriented friend can be a great strength. It is human nature to be influenced by one’s friend. If the friend is religious, every conversation will be about paradise and the pleasure of the Lord. Instructing people to befriend the religious, Allah says, ‘And keep yourself with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His countenance.’ (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28)
Finally, the mosque is the symbol of Muslim unity and the appointed place of meeting with Allah. Establishing a relationship with the mosque means establishing a relationship with Allah Himself. May Almighty Allah accept us as mosque-oriented servants.
