Waiting For Salat in Masjid
by Mufti Ismail Kachholvi


It is a virtuous and commendable act to remain in masjid after one congregational Salaat waiting for the next one, and remaining in the reading of the Qur'aan, remembrance of Allah, etc. during this time. There are numerous virtues for such people in the Hadeeth:

  1. Amongst the seven category of people who will be placed under the shade of the Mercy of Allah on the day of Accounts, when there will be no other shade besides the Mercy of Allah is that person whose heart remains in Masjid whilst waiting for the next Salaat after completing one Salaat.

  2. Angels pray for mercy for that person who remains in masjid in the same place where he performed his Salaat in congregation.

  3. Angels pray for his forgiveness.

  4. Remaining in masjid waiting for Salaat is amongst Islamic monasticism.

  5. Atonement of sins include remaining in masjid after one Salaat waiting for the next. (Mishkaat)

Therefore, brothers who remain in masjid after Salaat waiting for the next one are doing a very virtuous deed, and are on the route to success of the next life. If they pluck more courage in doing so by spending the time with intention of I'tikaaf and remaining engaged in reading Qur'aan, zikar, nafl prayers or du'aa, it will be more virtuous. I make special request to such pious people to pray for a sinner like me.

Those people who spend their time in such a blessed place, talking, backbiting or doing something that disturbs others who are praying, it will result in great harm and sin, just as the virtues are great (for doing good).

Fataawa Aalamgiri mentions among 15 etiquettes of the masjid the seventh one as, ‘no worldly talks should be carried out in the masjid (p321 vol.5). It is an act of great sin to talk worldly matters, backbite or indulge in unnecessary and useless talks. There are severe warnings in the Hadeeth in this regard: Talking in the masjid wipes out good deeds just as fire destroys wood; or as animals eat away grass. This way all virtues are totally destroyed. Mosque is the court of Allah, the King of kings, so one should give due respect, keeping regards for the greatness of the King of kings. The Mosque is not a centre of vain talking. In a saying: A time will come on people when they will indulge in worldly talks and vain talks in the masjid, so you must not sit with such people; Allah has no need for such people. (Bayhaqee)

In conclusion, time in the masjid should be spent in worship, etc. and one should save himself from vain and worldly talks and backbiting. If anyone is doing so, he should be stopped with great love and respect.


Allah is All Knowing and Giver of guidance.