Just like every other religion Muslims also have their place of worship which is called Mosque. According to the latest research 2 billion of the world’s population is Muslim and Islam is the second largest religion in the world. As the number of Muslims is very high the number of mosques is also very high because it is the common place for Muslims where they can pray freely, and spend their time in religious activities.

A mosque is a place of worship where Muslims offer their five-time prayers, do Zikr, and gather in larger numbers at special events. The mosque is an essential part of the Islamic community and plays a crucial role in uniting Muslims and keeping them close to Islam.

HISTORY OF MOSQUE

The importance of a mosque can also be understood that when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madina and stayed in Qubah he built a mosque there, the name of that mosque is Masjid-e-Quba. It was the first ever mosque built in the history of Islam.

When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reached Madina he laid the foundation of another mosque called Masjid-e-Nabwi which is now the second most visited mosque in the world. The mosque not only served as a place of worship for Muslims but also as a place of guidance. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to sit there and spend his time there worshipping ALLAH (SWT). He (PBUH) also used to solve the religious matters of Muslims in Masjid-e-Nabwi.

Thus, mosques are a place of honor and possess great importance in the Muslim community.

The reasons why mosques are given so much importance in Muslim community are explained below

ROLE IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION

Mosques are not only a place of worshipping ALLAH (SWT). It also serves as an educational center for Muslims. They get to learn every minor detail about Islam and its teachings. Many mosques have teachers who teach the Quran to Muslims. They teach translation, Tajweed, and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Other than that several social matters are discussed under the light of Islamic teachings which help Muslims lead their lives according to Islamic principles.

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day. Mosques are the place where the Muslims gather and perform their obligatory prayers. They can perform their obligatory and supererogatory prayer there. Additionally, Mosques are a peaceful space for Muslims where they can worship ALLAH (SWT) and indulge in spirituality.

The Holy Quran says about Mosque

And (He revealed) that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone.”

(Surah Al-Jinn, 72:18)

COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

The Muslims gather in mosques in larger numbers not only for obligatory prayers but also to celebrate other religious events. Friday sermons, Eid gatherings, and other congregational prayers are done in mosques. These gatherings strengthen the bond of Muslims and develop a sense of brotherhood and unity making them a strong community.

SOCIAL SERVICES AND CHARITABLE WORK

Mosques frequently carry out charitable work, distributing zakat (alms) and setting up food drives for the less fortunate. Additionally, they might assist those who are struggling financially, upholding the Islamic principle of helping the poor.

A PLACE OF GUIDANCE

Mosque imams and other religious authorities are crucial in advising and counseling people around them. They provide religious counseling, spiritual guidance, and support during difficult times. Mosques are secure locations where people can seek direction and comfort without any fear of being judged.

VIRTUES AND REWARDS CONNECTED WITH MOSQUES

Mosques are a peaceful place for Muslims where they can freely practice their religion. This place has a lot of virtues connected with it which are:

  • Mosques are the places that are liked by the ALLAH (SWT). This also means that the person who spent their time in mosques praying and worshiping ALLAH (SWT) are also liked by ALLAH (SWT). What could be better than you are sitting in a place and spending your time there in remembrance of ALLAH and in return getting unlimited blessings and rewards from ALLAH (SWT)? Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The places that are dearest to Allah are the mosques, and the places that are most hateful to Allah are the markets.”  – [Muslim]
  • Those who are connected with the mosques, and pray their five-time prayers there with the congregation are the people who will get the mercy and pleasure of ALLAH (SWT)
  • Mosques are the beloved places where Muslims come to pray, those who help in building the mosques will get numerous rewards in this life and also on the day of Judgement. Uthman ibn Affan reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), said, “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise.”Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 450, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 533
  • Building a mosque is also Sadaqah-e-Jariah (A charity whose rewards are continued even if the person dies.)The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: ’When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him’. [Muslim]

 

IN CONCLUSION

Mosques are the holy places where Muslims gather to pray and strengthen their bond with ALLAH (SWT). It is the most peaceful place where the only objective is to remember ALLAH and his blessings. Mosques serve as a center of education and guidance for Muslims and bring them closer to the religion and the teachings of Islam