(4)The message of the Masjid in Islam

1-The first thing that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did in Medina after the Hijra, was the construction of the Masjid.

Because the Masjid is the corner stone, it is the starting point and the lung which allows the Muslims to breathe when they perform the five daily prayers in congregation.

2- The Masjid of the Prophet (PBUH) was very simple in its construction but it was a place from which great leaders were educated.

It was seventy yards long and about the same in width. It had no doors or windows, and its walls were made from bricks.

The pillars were made from the bark of palm trees, and the ceiling from its branches. The mosque was well suited for all seasons. It used to protect the companions from the bitter cold of the winter and keep them cool in the summer.

3- The Masjid was the starting point from where the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) started all his trips and missions.

And when the Prophet (PBUH) returned from a journey, he returned to the Masjid. Also, when the Prophet (PBUH) intended to fight in a battle, the initial steps were taken in the Masjid.

At the time of the Prophet (PBUH), it was the launching place for all correctional and reformatory activities in life.

4- The great honor of the Masjid resides in the fact that it belongs to Allah. Allah (SWT) says (And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah). (Al-Jinn, 18).

When it comes to building a Masjid the intention should be purely and completely for the sake of Allah.  Moreover, the purpose of worship inside the Masjid should be to please Allah (SWT) and the supplication should be directed to none other than Allah (SWT).

5- Allah (SWT) praised those who come to the Masjid in the Qur’an.

Allah (SWT) says: (The Mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance) (At-Tawba, 18).

Allah (SWT) praised those who attend the Masjid regularly and He complemented them in the Holy Quran.

Allah Testified for them in the Quran that they are a people of Iman and that they fear no one but Him.  For this reason He (SWT) referred to them as the successful and guided ones in both the Dunya and in the Hereafter.

Allah (SWT) also says: (In houses (mosques), which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honored) because in them His Name is glorified in the mornings and in the evenings). (An-Nur, 36-37).

6- Among the seven people that Allah will protect under His shade, are those who are attached to the Masjid.

They are the true believers who long for the Masjid as soon as they step out after the prayer.  And they cannot wait to come back for the next prayer.  The Masjid has become an essential part of their lives that they cannot do without it.

7- A Masjid has its own architecture and fetures that make it different from synagogues and churches.

The Masjid is distinguished in its structural characteristics from the places of worship of other religions.  It has very distinct and unique features which allow for its easy recognition by the people of other faiths.

The purpose of the Masjid in Islam

1- It is a place for the collective prayer and the daily five prayers. It has been mentioned in a Hadith that: “Congregational prayer exceeds individual prayer in reward by twenty seven times.” (Al-Bukhari, 645).

There is a multiplication of reward when prayer is established in congregation. The angels attend the prayer and Allah (SWT) puts blessing in it, so that it becomes more productive.

2- A place for the Friday (Jumu’a) prayer, which is like a weekly Eid or celebration. In fact, the Jumu’a is an aspect of Muslim power and unity.

Allah (SWT) says: “O you who believe when the call is proclaimed for the Salat on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business and (every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know.” (Al-Jumu’a, 9).

3- The Masjid is a place for learning and knowledge. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The Muslim who attends the Masjid will acquire three things: beneficial reward, valuable wisdom, and awaited mercy from Allah (SWT).”  (At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb, 1/176).

 In another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever comes to our Masjid to learn or to teach is on the same level of someone who is a Mujahid for the sake of Allah.” (As-Shawkani fi al-Sayl al-Gharar, 1/180).

4- The Masjid is where marriage takes place.  The Prophet (PBUH) said:  “Announce the marriage publicly, let it be in the Masjid, and use the (Duf). The Muslim will be prosperous and blessed by Allah (SWT) from the very early stages of his family life, when the first step is started from the Masjid.” (At-Tirmidhi, 1089).

Allah (SWT) says: “Is it he who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allah and his Good pleasure better, of he who laid the foundation of his building on the brink of an undetermined precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the Fire of Hell.” (At-Tawba, 109).

5- The Masjid is also a place for Court Hearings among Muslims.

a place for resolving conflicts that may arise among Muslims. It is the courthouse in which the Imam or the judge resolves issues through the Quran and the Sunnah.

6- It is also a place for poetry and culture; Hassan ibn Thabit used to present his poetry in the Masjid.

The Prophet (PBUH) used to tell him: “O Hassan, compose for us defamatory poetry about the pagans and Jibreel will be along side of you.” (Sahiha al-Albani, 2084).

7-The Masjid is a shelter for the homeless and the safe place for those who seek refuge.  The people of (Assufah) used it to eat and sleep in the Masjid of The Prophet (PBUH)

8- It is, a hospital (Sa’ad Ibn Mu’ath) was treated for his illness in the Masjid.

In the past, the Masjid was the place where the wounded were treated. Those who got hurt in battle were brought to the Masjid for treatment. This was the case before hospitals were built.

9- It is a jail for wrongdoers and sinners (Abu Lubaba) was jailed in the Masjid. When Abu Lubaba committed a sin he imprisoned himself in the Masjid and tied himself up to one of the pillars of the Masjid, until Allah revealed a verse to clear him of his wrongdoing.

10- Last but not least, the Masjid is a place of prayers for women too.  The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Never forbid women from the Masjid, but their houses are better for them”.  (Al-Bukhari, 990).

We ask Allah (SWT) to make us all from those who attend the Masjid regularly.

And we ask Him to accept from us our good deeds.

And we ask Him to make our deeds purely for His sake.

Written by: Dr. Ahmed A. S.  Hammouda

Professor in Al-Azhar University

And Islamic American University

Translated by: Abdullah Zettili