To leave the masjid with the left foot and enter with the right is rewarding. Mosque remained a hub of educational, political, social, and judicial activities in Islamic History. Mosques, as the most important part of Islamic Culture and civilization, are the religious symbol of Muslim’s standing in today’s world. A mosque mainly refers to a place where religious worship can be done, but in Muslim societies, it also serves the purpose of a civic center for educational training, military purposes, commerce, and welfare programs. It has a major role in bringing about social reforms and development in society. Building the mosque has always been instrumental in Islamic history. Even when we study the history of Abrahamic religions, we see that Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was the architect of the rebuilding of the largest mosque of Allah to date. Every believer is advised to go to the mosque and follow the decorum of entering and leaving the masjid.
The Importance of Going to the Masjid
In the busy routine of our lives, we rarely prioritize going to the masjid. Going to a masjid and participating in congregational prayer is a significant aspect of the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque except the Sacred Mosque.” [1]
Muslims are required to prioritize Allah (SWT) over their worldly affairs. It is obligatory for the believers to respond to the Adhaan, and go to the masjid to offer obligatory prayer. Praying in congregational with other Muslim brothers increases love, harmony, and unity among Muslims. The mosque is not only for Muslim Men but Muslim sisters can also worship inside the masjid with the approval of their guardians. Narrated Salim bin `Abdullah:
“My father said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘If the wife of any one of you asks permission (to go to the mosque), do not forbid her.” [2]
The rewards of congregational Prayer are higher than praying alone
Islam teachings have put emphasis on praying in congregation with other Muslims. The rewards of congregational prayers are higher than praying alone at home. It was narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Prayer in congregation is twenty-five levels better than a prayer offered on one’s own.”[3]
Believers can simply multiply their rewards by praying in a masjid instead of at home. It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘A man’s prayer in his house is equal (in reward) to one prayer; his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is equal to twenty-five prayers; his prayer in the mosque in which Friday prayer is offered is equal to five-hundred prayers; his prayer in Aqsa Mosque is equal to fifty thousand prayers; his prayer in my mosque is equal to fifty thousand prayers; and his prayer in the Sacred Mosque is equal to one hundred thousand prayers.” [4]
Going to Mosques imparts Punctuality and Discipline
Muslims go to mosques five times a day. Obligatory prayers are required to offer at the appointed times. Following the fixed timings of the prayers and reaching the masjid on time impart punctuality and discipline in our lives. It also revives our commitment to prioritizing deen over worldly affairs. Praying at the appointed time is the beloved deed of Allah SWT which help us value our precious time. Narrated Ibn Mas’ūd:
“A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) “What deeds are the best?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “(1) To perform the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) to be good and dutiful to one’s own parents, (3) and to participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.”[5]
The Ritual of Entering the Masjid
Enter the masjid with the right foot and exiting it with the left foot is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
By entering on the right foot, we prepare ourselves for worship and purify our intentions for Allah’s sake only. After praying and purifying ourselves from our sins, we should exit the mosque with our left foot. It indicates that we are back into our worldly affairs but we will remain conscious of our deeds outside the mosque as well.
This is the simple practice every Muslim can do to get a bundle of rewards. Believers search for opportunities to maximize their rewards, and going masjid five times a day provides them with golden opportunities for taking rewards.
Satisfaction comes from worshiping Allah (SWT) and following the Sunnah to the best of our abilities. It needs a conscious effort to follow the commandments of Allah SWT in our daily life. The same effort is required to incorporate the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in our lives. This is the only way to build our connection with Allah and increases our rewards.
Conclusion
Every deed, no matter how small or insignificant, has spiritual value in Islam. The act of entering with the right foot and exiting the masjid with the left foot is well-rooted in Islamic history and offers significant rewards. By observing these etiquettes, Muslims demonstrate respect, unity, and discipline while connecting with the divine greatly. We should always strive to be better practicing Muslims.
To leave the masjid with the left foot and enter with the right is rewarding and part of an amazing content series. For more, you are encouraged to follow our whole series, Time to Revive, where we discuss the forgotten Sunnah or Prophet Muhammad, Peace be Upon Him, and try to revive them by considering most of the perspectives of the modern world. Reading them and making them a habit is now your choice.
By Jowairia Shahid
References
- Sunan Ibn Majah 1405: Book 5, Hadith 603
- Sahih al-Bukhari 873: Book 10, Hadith 2624
- Sunan an-Nasai 839: Book 10, Hadith 63
- Sunan Ibn Majah 1413: Book 5, Hadith 611
- Sahih al-Bukhari 7534: Book 97, Hadith 159
