“There are seven whom God will shade in His shade on the day on which there is no shade except His shade: a just imam, a youth who grows up worshipping God, a man whose heart is attached to the mosque when he leaves it until he returns to it, two who love each other for the sake of God and part on that, a man who remembers God when he is alone and his eyes overflow with tears, a man who refuses the approaches of a noble, beautiful woman, saying ‘I fear God,’ and a man who gives charity and conceals it so that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
Mosques offer comfort, peace, tranquility, good companionship, and rewards, making them among the best places on earth. Is your heart attached to the mosque?
What Do Mosques Mean to You?When you see your local mosque, what do you feel? How about when you see photos of mosques around the world? Do they remind you of beautiful Islamic architecture, towering minarets, and the melodic call to prayer? Can you imagine lines of faithful believers praying together in unity?
The mosque is a place of serenity, filled not only with people but also with angels. Its architecture can range from classic Islamic styles to modern designs, featuring elements like columns, spiral staircases, plush carpets, and intricate Arabic calligraphy.
The Role of the Mosque in a Muslim’s LifeMosques as Places of Worship and CommunityOutside, you might notice domes, minarets, drinking fountains, and shoe racks. Mosques vary in shape and size but serve the same fundamental purpose: they are places where Muslims gather to worship Allah.
The Obligation of Praying in the MosqueMuslim men are expected to pray the five obligatory prayers in a mosque whenever possible. While it is not obligatory for women, they are also permitted to pray in mosques. These quiet, tranquil places are where Muslims fulfill God’s right to be worshipped and gather rewards for the hereafter. Attending and being attached to the mosque is highly meritorious and rewarding.
The Mosque: A Sanctuary for the PiousProphet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that God loves and rewards those who find solace and comfort in mosques:
“When a person goes to the mosque for prayer and the remembrance of God, God, the Most High, greets him joyfully, just as the family of one who is absent greets him with joy when he returns to them.”“The mosque is the house of every pious person, and God has granted comfort and mercy for everyone for whom the mosque is his house, and that they will easily traverse the bridge to God’s Paradise.”“There are six places in which a person is guaranteed the safekeeping of God, the Most High, as long as he is in one of them: in a congregational mosque, with a sick person, at a funeral, in his house, with a just ruler whom he supports and treats with respect, or at a place where people are fighting jihad.”Building and Maintaining Mosques: A Source of BlessingsCleaning or building mosques is another way to gain God’s pleasure and rewards. Aisha, the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad, said that her husband often reminded people that God commanded mosques to be built among houses and kept clean and perfumed.Read Also: