TIME SPENT IN THIS MUSJID
WAITING FOR SALAAT
Q: In our mosque, some
people stay behind after completing their Salaat, waiting for
the next Salaat. During this time they talk about worldly
matters loudly, which occasionally disturbs those who are
performing Salaat. What is the ruling of Sharee'ah in this
matter. Please oblige us with your reply.
A: It is a virtuous and
commendable act to remain in masjid after one congregational
Salaat waiting for the next one, and remaining in the reading
of the Qur'aan, remembrance of Allah, etc. during this time.
There are numerous virtues for such people in the Hadeeth:
·
Amongst the seven category of people who will be placed
under the shade of the Mercy of Allah on the day of Accounts,
when there will be no other shade besides the Mercy of Allah
is that person whose heart remains in Masjid whilst waiting
for the next Salaat after completing one Salaat.
·
Angels pray for mercy for that person who remains in
masjid in the same place where he performed his Salaat in
congregation.
·
Angels pray for his forgiveness.
·
Remaining in masjid waiting for Salaat is amongst
Islamic monasticism.
·
Atonement of sins include remaining in masjid after one
Salaat waiting for the next (Mishkaat)
Therefore, brothers who remain
in masjid after Salaat waiting for the next one are doing a
very virtuous deed, and are on the route to success of next
life. If they pluck more courage in doing so by spending the
time with intention of I'tikaaf and remaining engaged in
reading Qur'aan, zikar, nafl prayers or du'aa, it will be more
virtuous. I make special request to such pious people to pray
for a sinner like me.
Those people who spend their
time in such blessed place, talking, backbiting or doing
something that disturbs others who are praying, it will result
in great harm and sin, just as the virtues are great (for
doing good).
Fataawa Aalamgiri mentions
among 15 etiquettes of masjid the seventh one as, ‘no worldly
talks should be carried out in masjid (page321 vol.5). It is
an act of great sin to talk worldly matters backbiting or
indulge in unnecessary and useless talks. There are severe
warnings in the Hadeeth in this regard: Talking in masjid
wipes out good deeds just as fire destroys wood; or as animals
eat away grass. This way all virtues are destroyed totally.
Mosque is the court of Allah, the King of kings, so one should
give due respect, keeping regards for the greatness of the
King of kings. Mosque is not a centre of vain talking. In a
saying: A time will come on people when they will indulge in
worldly talks and vain talks in masjid, so you must not sit
with such people; Allah has no need for such people. (Bayhaqee)
In conclusion, time in masjid
should be spent in worship, etc. and one should save himself
from vain and worldly talks and backbiting. If anyone is doing
so, he should be stopped with great love and respect.
Allah is All Knowing and Giver
of guidance.
Mufti Ismail Kachholvi
Last modified:
July 19, 2007
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