Hi! Are you looking for an explanation about “Is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?”? If your answer is “Yes”, congratulations! Now you are reading the right article. Why? Because that's what I will explain in this article. As Muslims, we must understand that. That's why I wrote this article. So, you have to read it till the end!
Specifically, there are several important things about “is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?” which I will explain in this article. Some of the important things I mean are as follows:
The Meaning of the Sunnah That You Must Understand
The first important thing about “is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?” what I will explain now is the meaning of the Sunnah that you must understand. I want you to understand the meaning of Sunnah first before you read more explanations in this article because it is the basic thing about this topic that must be understood well. Apart from that, understanding the meaning of the word will help you understand the answer to the question which is the main topic in this discussion.
Specifically, there are two meanings of Sunnah that you must understand. The explanation is as follows:
Literal Meaning of Sunnah
Sunnah is an Arabic word. The writing is سُنَّةٌ or السُّنَّةُ.
If you read the Arabic dictionary, you will find the explanation that the word “Sunnah (سُنَّةٌ or السُّنَّةُ)” has several meanings as follows:
- Tradition.
- Habits.
- Rules.
- Norms.
So, if you find the sentences “Sunnah (سُنَّةٌ)” below:
هَذِهِ سٌنَّةُ الْعَرَبِ, then the meaning is: This is the tradition of the Arab.
هَذِهِ سُنَّةُ الْأَطْفَالِ, then the meaning is: This is a habit of children.
هَذِهِ سُنَّةٌ فِي عَائِلَتِنَا, then the meaning is: This is the rule in our family.
هَذِهِ سُنَّةٌ فِي قَرْيَتِنَا, then the meaning is: This is the norm in our village.
Meaning of Sunnah in Sharia
If you want to understand the meaning of Sunnah in Sharia, pay attention to the explanation below!
السُّنَّةُ هِيَ : كُلُّ مَا نُقِلَ عَنْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ - صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ - مِنْ أَقْوَالٍ وَأَفْعَالٍ وَتَقْرِيْرٍ ، وَصِفَاتٍ خَلْقِيَّةٍ وَخُلُقِيَّةٍ، سَوَاءً أَكَانَ ذَلِكَ قَبْلَ الْبِعْثَةِ أَمْ بَعْدَهَا
Everything that is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, such as sayings, deeds, decisions, attributes of creation and ethics, either before he was sent as a Prophet and Messenger or after that.
If you understand the explanation above, you can conclude that the Sunnah is everything related to the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, such as his words, his actions, his decisions, and his qualities, before he became a Prophet or after that.
But one thing you have to understand is that what is meant by Sunnah in this discussion is recommendation: whether Islam recommends Muslims to do something or not, whether it is recommended in Islam or not, and so on.
That is a brief explanation of the meaning of Sunnah. As a Muslim, you must understand that.
Quran About Mosque
The second important thing about “is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?” what I will explain now is the Koran about mosque and a brief explanation. I want you to understand that now because the Quran is the primary reference in Islam regarding mosque.
Pay attention to several verses from the Koran about mosque below so you understand the status of mosque in Islam!
Quran Explains That the Mosque Belongs to Allah and Prohibits Allying with It
If you understand the Quranic verse below, you can conclude that all mosque on earth belong to Allah. He strictly forbids us from worshiping anything or anyone other than Him.
وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا
Verily, the masjids belong to Allah, so do not worship anyone but Allah. (Al-Jin [72]: 18).
Quran About Recommendations for Dhikr in the Mosque
If you understand the Quranic verse below, you can conclude that dhikr in the mosque is something that is highly recommended in Islam.
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ مَنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَنْ يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ
And who is more unjust than one who prevents the mention of Allah's name in His masjids? (Al-Baqarah [2]: 114).
But one thing you have to understand is that dhikr in the mosque should not be done if it could disturb other people. For example: if you read the Koran in a mosque with a speaker, if the sound can disturb the peace of other people, then it is better to do it without a speaker. So, community comfort and harmony must be prioritized.
Quran About Sunnah Prospering Mosque
If you understand the Quran verse below, you can conclude that making mosque prosperous is one of the things that is highly recommended.
إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ
Only those who prosper the masjids of Allah are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. (At-Taubah [19]: 18).
What is meant by making a mosque prosperous is using the mosque for good things, such as reading the Quran, dhikr, social activities, and so on. So, mosque is not only used for prayer!
That is a brief explanation of several verses of the Quran about mosque. As a Muslim, you understand that.
Hadith About Mosque
The third important thing about “is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?” what I will explain now is a hadith about mosque and a brief explanation. I want you to understand that now because hadith is the second primary reference after the Quran in Islam regarding mosque.
Pay attention to some of the hadiths below so that you understand what you can and cannot do in a mosque, who can go to a mosque, what things are recommended to do in a mosque, and so on!
Hadith Explaining That Non-Muslims Are Permitted to Go to the Mosque
The hadith below explains that non-Muslims can go to the mosque.
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ بَعَثَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خَيْلًا فَجَاءَتْ بِرَجُلٍ ، فَرَبَّطُوْهُ بِسَارِيَةٍ مِنْ سَوَارِيِ الْمَسْجِدِ -- الْحَدِيْثُ -- مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
From Abu Hurairah radliyallahu anhu, he said, "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam has sent cavalry. They then come with someone. They then tied him to one of the pillars of the mosque - al-Hadith." The hadith was narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
The hadith above does not specifically explain that non-Muslims are allowed to go to the mosque. The hadith explains that there was a prisoner who was tied to one of the pillars of the mosque. But we can conclude that, because of course the prisoner is a non-Muslim.
Hadith About Chanting Poetry in the Mosque
The hadith below explains that a person may recite poetry in the mosque. Thus, singing in the mosque is something that is permitted in Islam.
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 radliyallaahu anhu, that Umar radliyallahu anhu met Hassan who was developing (poetry) in the mosque. He then looked at Hassan with a denying view. Hassan then said, "I have developed (poetry) in it (mosque). In there, there is someone who is better than you." The hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Hadith About Social Activities in Mosque
If you understand the hadith below, you can conclude that carrying out social activities in the mosque is one of the things that is permitted.
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 radliyallahu anha, she said, "Sa'ad was hit by an arrow at the time of the Khandaq war. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam then made a tent for Sa'ad at the mosque, so that he could meet him from a nearby place." The hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Specifically, the hadith above does not explain the legality of social activities in mosque. The hadith explains that Sa'ad, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, was hit during the Khandaq war. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam then made a tent for Sa'ad in the mosque. The aim was so that he could rest there and the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam could visit him easily.
Hadith About Prohibiting Buying and Selling in Mosque
If you understand the two hadiths below, you can conclude that buying and selling in mosque is prohibited.
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 radliyallahu anhu, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "If you see a person who sells and buys in a mosque, then tell him, "May Allah not benefit your trade." The hadith is narrated by an-Nasa'i and at-Tirmidhi.
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ مَنْ سَمِعَ رَجُلًا يُنْشِدُ ضَالَةً فِيْ الْمَسْجِدِ فَلْيَقُلْ ؛ لَا رَدَّهَا اللهُ عَلَيْكَ ، فَإِنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لَمْ تُبْنَ لِهَذَا . رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ
From Abu Hurairah radliyallahu anhu, he said, "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever hears someone searches for lost items in the mosque, then let him say, "May Allah not return it to you. Indeed, mosques are not built for this purpose.” The hadith is narrated by Muslim.
Hadith Explaining That Menstruating Women and Junub People Are Prohibited from Entering the Mosque
If you understand the hadith below, you can conclude that menstruating women, whoever they are, Muslim women or non-Muslim women, and people who have large hadas, are strictly prohibited from entering the mosque.
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ : قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : إِنِّيْ لَا أُحِلُّ الْمَسْجِدَ لِحَائِضٍ وَلَا جُنُبٍ . رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ
From Aisha radliyallahu anha, she said, "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "Indeed I do not allow women who are menstruating and those who live in the mosque." The hadith is narrated by Abu Daud.
Hadith About Sunnah of Performing Tahiyatul Masjid Prayer
If you understand the hadith below, you will find an explanation that Muslims are advised to perform the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer when they enter the mosque.
عَنْ أَبِيْ قَتَادَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ إِذَا دَخَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ الْمَسْجِدَ فَلَا يَجْلِسْ حَتَّى يُصَلِّيَ رَكْعَتَيْنِ . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
From Abu Qatadah radliyallahu anhu, he said, "The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "If anyone of you enters the mosque, then let him not sit down until he prays two rakats." The hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
What is meant by the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer is the two rak'ah prayer which is performed to honor the mosque (the main purpose is to worship Allah). The prayer is performed when a Muslim enters the mosque and before he sits down.
Hadith About Recommendations for Reading and Studying the Quran in the Mosque
The hadith below is a proof regarding the recommendation to read and study the Quran in the mosque.
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 not a people gather in one of the houses of Allah, they read the Book of Allah and study it, but tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, the angels surround them, and Allah praises them before the creatures who are with Him.
There are many ways to study the Koran, such as studying the meaning (tafsir), learning how to read it, studying the sentence structure, and so on. This is all highly recommended to be done at the mosque (as well as other places).
Hadith Concerning the Prohibition of Competing to Build a Magnificent Mosque
Competing to build mosque is strictly prohibited in Islam. You can find the explanation in the two hadiths below:
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 radliyallahu anhu, he said, "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said," Day of Judgment will not happen until it competes to build mosques." The hadith is narrated by seven people except at-Tirmidhi (Ahmad, al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah).
عَنْ اِبْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ مَا أُمِرْتُ بِتَشْيِيْدِ الْمَسَاجِدِ . أَخْرَجَهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ
From Ibn Abbas radliyallahu anhuma, he said, "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "I was not ordered to boast in building mosques." The hadith is narrated by Abu Daud.
Maybe now you are wondering, "Why is competing to build a magnificent mosque prohibited in Islam?" The answer is because in competition there is always the desire to win and defeat. That is what is called religious arrogance. Apart from that, the standard of a good mosque is its benefits.
Hadith Concerning Recommendations for Cleaning Mosque
A mosque is a building for worship. In general, mosque have a courtyard. There are several trees there. Many Muslims leave and enter the mosque to pray and so on. Mosque that have a lot of activities have the potential to become dirty. There was a lot of rubbish, fallen leaves, and dust. That's why Muslims are strongly encouraged to clean mosque.
You can find an explanation of the recommendation to clean the mosque and the rewards for Muslims who do it in the hadith below:
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ عُرِضَتْ عَلَيَّ أُجُوْرُ أُمَّتِيْ حَتَّى الْقَذَاةُ يُخْرِجُهَا الرَّجُلُ مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ . رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ وَالتِّرْمِذِيُّ
From Anas radliyallahu anhu, he said, “The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, “The rewards of my people are shown to me, even the eye drop that someone excludes from the mosque.” The hadith is narrated by Abu Daud and at-Tirmidhi.
Those are some hadiths about several important things that you must understand.
Is It Sunnah to Walk to the Mosque?
The third important thing about “Is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?” what I will explain now is a specific explanation. So, you should read the below explanation very well.
In the previous few paragraphs, I have explained many things about mosque in the Quran and hadith. There are many things that Muslims can do and usually do there, such as worship, reading the Koran, social activities, and so on. The question is, "Are Muslims encouraged to walk to the mosque to do all this?" or, in the topic of this discussion, "Is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?".
To be honest, I haven't found a specific explanation about it, that Muslims are encouraged to walk if they want to go to the mosque, or that walking to the mosque is sunnah. Islamic teachings are very flexible. Islam does not encourage them to walk to the mosque if their house is far from the mosque. But I found a hadith that recommends Muslims continue to walk calmly to perform congregational prayers even when they have heard the iqamah.
Pay attention to the hadith below!
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ الْإِقَامَةَ فَامْشُوْا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ وَعَلَيْكُمْ السَّكِيْنَةُ وَالْوِقَارُ ، وَلَا تُسْرِعُوْا فَمَا أَدْرَكْتُمْ فَصَلُّوْا وَمَا فَاتَكُمْ فَأَتِمُّوْا . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
From Abu Hurairah radliyallahu anhu, he said, "The Prophet (Muhammad) sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "If you have heard iqamah, then walk to pray. You have to be calm, you have to maintain your honor, and you shouldn't be in a hurry. Pray with imam in the rakat that you find and perfect the missed rakat." The hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Now, if you ask me, “Is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?”, the answer is “Yes, for Muslims whose homes are close to the mosque.” I chose this answer as flexibility in Islam because it would be very difficult for Muslims whose homes are far from the mosque if they had to walk a long way. They will be exhausted.
All readers! That's a brief explanation of "Is it Sunnah to walk to the mosque?" and some important things about it. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please ask!
I think that's enough for this article. Hope it is useful. Amen!
See you again in the next article!
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