A mosque is generally a very symbolic place for a Muslim, being a humble way for Muslims to recreate pure divine presence on earth. The primary purpose of the mosque is to serve as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer. Nevertheless, mosques are known around the world nowadays for their Islamic architecture but most importantly for its general vitality to the Muslim Ummah
Salah is the second pillar of Islam and also the major form of worship. Salah is obligatory on every Muslim and should offer it five times a day with no excuse for its specific time. Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith about the compensating nature of prayer in these words:
“The five daily prayers and the Friday Prayer until the Friday prayer is an expiation for what is between them”
(Sahih Muslim)
Significance of Praying at the Mosque
1 – Opportunity for extra benefits of praying in congregations.
He (Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) also said, “ Prayer in congregation is superior to prayer alone by twenty seven degrees.”
[Bukhari & Muslim, from Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him)]
2. A place in Jannah for those who attend the Masjid Morning and evening
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “He who goes to the mosque in the morning or in the evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Jannah whenever he goes to the mosque in the morning and returns from it in the evening.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
3. Reward for every step taken to the Masjid
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said,
“He who purifies (performs Wudu’) himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah).”
[Muslim].
4. Greatest reward for one who lives furthest from Masjid
Abu Musa (RA) reported:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “The person who will receive the highest reward for Salat (prayer) is the one who comes to perform it in the mosque from the farthest distance. And he who waits for Salat to perform it with the Imam (in congregation) will have a greater reward than the one who observes it alone and then goes to sleep.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah (RA reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said,
“Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah).” The Companions said: “Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Performing the Wudu’ properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”
[Muslim].
So the further one lives from the Masjid the more reward they will gain for attending the Masjid!
5. Glad tidings for one who goes at the Masjid for Isha and Fajr
Buraidah (RA) reported:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “Convey glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in the darkness. For they will be given full light on the Day of Resurrection.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].
‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (RA) said, “I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam):
‘If someone prays ‘Isha’ in a group, it is as if he had prayed half of the night. If someone prays Subh in a group, it is as if he had prayed the entire night.'”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurayra (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam), said, “And if they only knew what was in the prayers of ‘Isha’ and Subh, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.” [Agreed upon]
Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “There is no prayer heavier on the hypocrites than Fajr and ‘Isha’. If they only knew what is in them, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.” [Agreed upon]
6. The one who attends Masjid night & day is a true believer
Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (RA) reported:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify that he is a believer because Allah says: `Allah’s mosques are visited only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.”’
[At-Tirmidhi].
And Allah knows best.
