Praise be to Allah, who loves mosques and those who respect them. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, companions, and those who follow his path. Mosques are very important places in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved lands to Allah are its mosques.” “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Paradise.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Visiting mosques often, walking to them and waiting for prayer brings great reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Shall I tell you what erases sins and raises ranks? Performing wudu properly, walking frequently to mosques and waiting for the next prayer after prayer. That is true devotion.” [Muslim]
Mistake 1 – Building on Graves
Building mosques on graves is forbidden. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The curse of Allah is on those who build on graves.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Even outside mosques, building on graves is wrong. Scholars agree that graves should never be used as a base for buildings.
Mistake 2 – Having Graves Inside Mosques
Putting graves inside mosques is also forbidden. The Prophet ﷺ cursed those who used graves as mosques. Scholars like Ibn Qayyim and Ibn Taymiyyah said: “No mosque and grave should be together.”
Mistake 3 – Making Mosques Too Fancy
Decorating mosques in a way that shows off or competes with others is wrong. The Prophet ﷺ warned against showing off in mosques. People should build mosques humbly, not trying to make them look better than others.
Mistake 4 – Going to the Mosque with Strong Smells
Eating garlic, onions, or smoking before prayer is not allowed if you go to the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever eats garlic or onion should stay away from our mosque because the angels are harmed by the smell.” [Bukhari & Muslim] The smell can also bother other people praying. Always be clean and fresh for prayer.
Mistake 5 – Not Dressing Properly
Always wear clean and neat clothes for prayer. Allah says: “O children of Adam, wear your best clothes at every mosque.” [Al-A’raf: 31] It is recommended to dress nicely and use perfume if possible.
Mistake 6 – Shouting or Singing About Lost Items
Mosques are for prayer, not for calling out about lost things. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever hears someone shouting about lost items in the mosque should say: ‘May Allah not return it to you’ because mosques are not for this.” [Muslim]
Mistake 7 – Reserving Places
Everyone has the right to sit anywhere there is space. You cannot save a spot by placing a mat or saying it is yours. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever leaves their place and returns, they are the rightful owner. Anyone else cannot claim it.” [Muslim]
Mistake 8 – Stepping Over People
Do not step over someone’s body to reach a place. This is called “stepping over necks” and is forbidden. It is only allowed if there is an empty space and no other way to pass. Otherwise, it is wrong.
Mistake 9 – Raising Your Voice
Raising your voice in the mosque is forbidden, whether reading Quran or speaking. The Prophet ﷺ and companions reminded people to speak quietly. “Do not raise your voices over each other while reading Quran.” [Abu Dawud] Even arguing, shouting or talking loudly in the mosque is forbidden. Mosques should be peaceful and respectful.
Part 10: Summary and Advice
These are the common mistakes people make in mosques. We must avoid them and kindly remind others. Mosques are blessed places, and Allah loves those who respect and care for them.
Dua (Supplication):
“O Allah, make us among those who love mosques, guide us to worship You properly and protect us from mistakes. Help us respect Your houses and teach others the right way. Ameen.”
download the pdf