IECRC (USA & Canada)

August 16, 2003 / Jamad-uth-Thani 1424

Volume 1, Issue 2 (Part 7)

Going to the Mosque (Masjid) is a favor from Allah, Glorious and Great.  As with all favors from Him, it is what we do with that favor that will turn it into a blessing or a curse for us.  There are manners (adab) for attending Friday prayers and other visits to the Masjid and places of remembrance, especially for women.  I say especially for women because it is not an obligation for us to attend the Friday prayer, it is a privilege.

Out of respect for the dignity of the occasion, before going to any function at a Masjid, or any building used as a place of worship or remembrance (Zikr), it is recommended to take a shower (ghusl).  We should all wear our nicest and most modest clothes as Allah, Glorious and Great said:

Oh Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer…(Sura A’raf 7; 31)

It is especially important that women avoid wearing see through clothes or clothes that reveal the shapes of their bodies. Women should remember not to wear perfume or scented oils (attar) as it may distract our brothers from their worship and divert their attention towards women  instead of towards Allah, Exalted is He!  When we enter we should be certain to lower our gaze and guard our modesty:

And say to the believing women that they should Lower their gaze and guard their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must appear thereof. (Sura An Nur 24; 31)

Remember where we are and what is our intention in being there.  We should take a seat next to any sisters who are already there, starting from the side furthest from the entrance.  In this way the sisters who arrive after us do not have to climb over us or disturb us.

When arriving at a Masjid, it is recommended to offer two rakats Sunnah prayer as greetings to the Masjid.  Then sit quietly, preferably doing silent remembrance (Zikr) or reading the Holy Qur’an.  This is not the time for socializing, but an opportunity to contemplate.

At Friday prayer (Jummah), when the Imam begins to speak we are not to say one word.  There is Hadith to the effect that any one speaking during the sermon (Khutbah) gets no credit for the entire prayer.  Besides losing all credit for that prayer, if our voices disturb anyone, we are accountable for that.  Children should use self-restraint or stay home; the Masjid is not a playground.

When the Azan (call to prayer) is called, sit still.  When you hear the Iqamah recited, at the line “Hayya ‘ala Salah” rise and quietly form your straight lines, standing shoulder to shoulder with the sisters on either side of you.  Our Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings on his sweet soul, warned us the Shaitan (Devil) will fill up the empty space if we are not touching each other in the prayer line.  Silently offer your intention to follow the Imam and wait for him to call the Takbir Al Ahram (Allah hu Akbar) before lifting your hands.  Each worshipper needs permission from the Imam to change position so do not change your position until you hear “Allah hu Akbar” or “Sami Allah hu liman Hamida” (Allah hears one who praises Him) when returning from ruku (bowing position).  Even if you have memorized a particular Sura or Ayah that is being recited, it is best to be quiet and listen as listening is an aid to perfection and has a different effect on us than recitation.  Out of respect for Allah, Glorious and Great, the Holy Qur’an and our brothers and sisters, we should remain silent during Recitations, lectures and prayers.

After the completion of the obligatory portion of the prayer, it is recommended to change location with your neighbor to perform the Sunnah prayers, so that more areas of the earth will bear witness for our act of prayer on the Day of Judgement.

After the prayer, it is recommended to greet your sisters with “As Salaamo alaikum” and to warmly embrace one another.  Now is the time to speak, remembering where we are and

Lower your voice for the harshest of sounds without a doubt is the braying of an ass.

(Sura Luqman 31; 19)

Many sisters come from countries where women do not go to the Masjid, so it is particularly lovely that here we can.  Let’s all enjoy this favor from Allah, Exalted is He, and turn it into a blessing by being grateful and doing our best to have good manners (adab).

May Allah, The Source of all good, reward you with His Good. (Aamin).

Khadija J.C. Locks

Sister Khadija is a resident of Los Angeles, CA. She is the author of “The Wealth of the Inheritors”, published by Nuqoosh Press, Lahore, Pakistan. She is currently working on a book on the subject of Islamic stories for children. She is a regular contributor to the IECRC Newsletter.