ANSWERED: Tahiyyatul Masjid & Sunnah Prayers in the Masjid

[Zahra]

Assalamu Alaikum,

My younger brother had a question..when men go the mosque, is it fard for them to read 2 rakahs sunnah upon entering the mosque? Also when one is going to the mosque to perform their salah..is it preferable for them to read their sunnah at home or when they go to the mosque..or does is not matter either way?

Assalamu Alaikum.

[abdushakur]

in the hanafi madhab...
the two rakats upon entering the masjid are known as 'tahiyatul masjid' and are not fard, but merely nafil (optional) but they still carry much needed thawab if performed.

and all the other sunnah prayers are better performed at home as that was the teaching/practice of Rasulullah (peace be upon him), however if they are prayed in the masjid then there is no harm.
in fact sometimes it is better to pray them in the masjid to encourage other youngsters to also pray the sunnah prayers and to avoid ppl suspecting u of missing out these prayers altogether!

often u will find big ulama also praying their sunnahs in the masjid due to convenience and the fact that they wont be going home straightaway.
or they will pray their sunnah prayers in the hall adjoining the masjid but which is not technically part of the masjid.

mainly bcos not everyone has their home next to the masjid like Rasulullah (peace be upon him) did.

Allahu alam.

[Zain121]

As Salaamu Alaykum,

them to read 2 rakahs sunnah upon entering the mosque?

Tahiyyatul Masjid is Nafl (optional) Salaah but highly recommended. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray whenever he used to go in the Mosque (Masjid). This is like greeting the Mosque as soon as one enters into the Mosque. This is two Raka'ah Salaah and can be prayed anytime (except Makrooh times) whenever we visit the Mosque.

It is narrated by Hadhrat Abu Qatada Radhi Allahu Anhu that the Messenger of Allah said:

"If one of you enters the mosque, do not sit until you pray two Raka'ats."

[Bukhari and Muslim]

However, one should not pray this Salaah in the Makrooh (disliked) times:

After Fajr time comes in, except the 2 Raka'ats of the sunna of Fajr,
After praying the fard of Fajr,
After praying the fard of Asr,
After Maghrib time enters, until one has prayed the fard,
After the Khutba has commenced for the Friday prayer (or effectively, if the Khaatib has risen on the Mimbar).

There is also another Nafl Salaah similar to Tahiyyatul Masjid, this is known as Tahiyyatul Wudhu. This, like Tahiyyatul Masjid, is Nafl and highly recommended. One should perform it every time he makes Wudhu, as practiced by our beloved Prophet (note: this Salaah should also not be offered in the Makrooh times)

If a person has less time, and cannot perform Tahiyyatul Masjid and Wudhu due to the short period before the congregation starting, it will be permissible for him to make intention for both the Salaah and perform them as one, although it would be better to perform them separate if time permits.

Also when one is going to the mosque to perform their salah..is it preferable for them to read their sunnah at home or when they go to the mosque..or does is not matter either way?

It is reported on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah Radhi Allahu Anhu that the Messenger of Allah said:

"Do not make your homes into graves..."

[Abu Dawood]

The meaning of this Hadeeth is that one should not abandon his home and make them into graves where acts of worship are not performed and Allah's Name is not mentioned.

Therefore, it is advisable for one to pray his Sunnah and Nawaafil prayers inside the home, as these prayers keeps away Shaytaan and brings Barakah (blessings) and Noor (divine light) into one's house.

Nevertheless, if one offers his Salaah in the Masjid occasionally, or because he knows he will not get a chance once he reaches home, then there is no problem in doing so.

And Allah Knows Best.

Wasalaam