Hadith on Building a Masjid: 4 Key Insights Every Muslim Should Know

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Hi, dear readers! Are you looking for an explanation of the hadith on building a masjid? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because this is exactly what I will explain in detail. As Muslims, we must understand this topic, which is why I wrote this article. So, make sure to read it until the end!

Specifically, there are five key aspects of the hadith on building a masjid that I will discuss in this article. These are:

Hadith on Prospering the Masjid

The first important aspect of the hadith on building a masjid is the hadith on prospering the masjid. I want you to understand this before reading further because prospering the masjid is a crucial topic that all Muslims must comprehend.

The hadith on prospering the masjid is as follows:

وَمَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِي بَيْتٍ مِنْ بُيُوتِ اللهِ يَتلُونَ كِتَابَ اللهِ ، وَيَتَدَارَسُونَهُ بينهم ، إِلاَّ نَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّكِينَةُ وَغَشِيتْهُمُ الرَّحْمَةُ ، وَحَفَّتْهُمُ المَلاَئِكَةُ ، وَذَكَرَهُمُ اللهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ

"And when a group of people gathers in one of the houses of Allah to recite and study the Book of Allah, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, the angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those who are with Him."

From this hadith, we can conclude that making the masjid prosperous is a highly recommended sunnah. There are several ways to achieve this, such as utilizing the masjid as a place for learning and worship.

Hadith on Social Activities in the Masjid

The second important aspect is the hadith on social activities in the masjid. Understanding this is essential because social activities are a fundamental part of the masjid's role in the Muslim community.

The hadith on social activities in the masjid is as follows:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ ؛ أُصِيْبُ سَعْدٌ يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ فَضَرَبَ عَلَيْهِ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خِيْمْةً فِيْ الْمَسْجِدِ لِيَعُوْدَهُ مِنْ قَرِيْبٍ . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ

From Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she said, "Sa'ad was wounded by an arrow during the Battle of Khandaq. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) set up a tent for him in the masjid so he could visit him closely." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith teaches us that the masjid can be used for social purposes, such as providing medical care and hosting other beneficial activities.

Hadith on Singing in the Masjid

The third key aspect is the hadith on singing in the masjid. This is an important discussion that needs to be properly understood.

The hadith on singing in the masjid is as follows:

عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ مَرَّ بِحَسَّانٍ يُنْشِدُ فِيْ الْمَسْجِدِ فَلَحَظَ إِلَيْهِ ، فَقَالَ ؛ قَدْ كُنْتُ أُنْشِدُ فِيْهِ ، وَفِيْهِ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنْكَ . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ

From Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), that Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once passed by Hassan, who was reciting poetry in the masjid. Umar gave him a disapproving look, so Hassan replied, "I used to recite poetry in this masjid, and someone better than you was here." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith indicates that singing or poetry in the masjid is permissible as long as it does not cause harm or distraction.

Hadith on Selling in the Masjid

The fourth crucial aspect is the hadith on selling in the masjid. This is an essential issue that needs to be well understood.

The hadith on selling in the masjid is as follows:

عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ ؛ إِذَا رَأَيْتُمْ مَنْ يَبِيْعُ أَوْ يَبْتَاعُ فِيْ الْمَسْجِدِ فَقُوْلُوْا لَهُ ؛ لَا أَرْبَحَ اللهُ تِجَارَتَكَ . رَوَاهُ النَّسَائِيُّ وَالتِّرْمِذِيُّ

From Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "If you see someone buying or selling in the masjid, say to them, 'May Allah not grant you profit in your trade.'" (Narrated by An-Nasa'i and At-Tirmidhi)

This hadith clearly states that selling in the masjid is strictly prohibited. Therefore, Muslims should avoid conducting business transactions in the masjid.

Hadith on Building a Masjid

The fifth and final key aspect is the hadiths on building a masjid. This is the central theme of our discussion, so I encourage you to read this section carefully.

The hadiths on building a masjid are as follows:

عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ لَا تَقُوْمُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَتَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فِيْ الْمَسَاجِدِ . أَخْرَجَهُ السَّبْعَةُ إِلَّا التِّرْمِذِيُّ

From Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), he said, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'The Day of Judgment will not occur until people compete in boasting about their mosques.'" (Narrated by seven scholars except At-Tirmidhi)

This hadith warns us against excessive pride in constructing grand masjids while neglecting their true purpose.

عَنْ اِبْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ مَا أُمِرْتُ بِتَشْيِيْدِ الْمَسَاجِدِ . أَخْرَجَهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ

From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), he said, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'I was not commanded to build extravagant mosques.'" (Narrated by Abu Dawood)

This hadith emphasizes that the purpose of a masjid is its function and benefit, not its grandeur.

Conclusion

From these hadiths, we learn that building and maintaining a masjid should focus on its role as a center of worship, education, and community service. We should avoid turning masjids into places of business or excessive luxury. As Muslims, it is our duty to honor and utilize masjids in ways that align with Islamic teachings.

May Allah guide us all in maintaining and prospering His houses. Ameen!