Etiquette of masjids and assemblies

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds [i.e., people] and peace be upon the Messenger whom his Lord behaved well, our Prophet Muhammad and his family.

These are some matters that should be avoided and etiquettes that should be observed regarding masjids and assemblies, markets, and parks.

1- Tissues that are placed in masjids are used inside the masjid for cleanliness, so it is not permissible to take them outside the masjid.

2- Some ignorant people clean their noses inside the masjid and throw the dirt inside the masjid, and this is impermissible because masjids must remain clean, so a person should clean his nose and put the tissue in his pocket.

3- Some people enter masjids with dirty socks and their smell is not good as a result of sweat and dust which could harm the people who offer Salah. Therefore, people who enter the masjid have to make sure of the cleanliness of their feet and socks.

4- A Muslim should avoid cleaning his nose and throat during expectoration. A person should not make a sound when cleaning his nose because this harms the hearer, which is also abhorred in assemblies and in the presence of people.

5- A sneezer should cover his mouth with a tissue or part of his clothes. Suchlike those who cough in the masjid or in assemblies, they should cover their mouths and lower their heads, especially at the table.

6- The name of Allah should not be written at the back of chairs on which a Musalli (one who offers Salah) sits, but it is enough to write the word "Waqf". Tables on which Mushafs are placed should be made in a way that prevents people to place anything on them.

7- The Glorious Qur'an must be glorified.

8- A Musalli should not place his shoes in the middle of the masjid entrance, but he should place them aside or in the special boxes for that so that people would not be harmed.

9- The words of Allah must be glorified when taking and placing the Mushaf, so a person should take and place it with the right hand except those who are excused and thus at reciting the Qur'an from the Mushaf a person should take it respectfully and with reverence.

10- Muslims must endeavor to advance to the first row which is near to the imam, narrow gaps, hasten to stand up upon hearing the Iqamah, and exerting effort in showing reverence during Salah, for a person shall not benefit anything from his Salah except the part which he performed attentively.

11- A Muslim must love for his Muslim brothers what he loves for himself. So, he should advise them gently if he sees them committing something void and should encounter his Muslim brothers with a smiley face and advise them regarding the mistakes they do.

12- Speaking in worldly matters in the masjid is forbidden except if there is a legitimate need.

13- An Imam, a muezzin, and the people must cooperate for their interests and the interests of their children by commending one another with the truth and patience, and keeping away from the causes of disagreement and disputes because a believer comes to the masjid to obey Allah and gain good deeds. People should be keen to establish assemblies to recite the Qur'an and be keen to listen to Dhikr and lectures that are delivered in the masjid to know the matters of their religion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion."

14- Those who go for picnics and gardens have to collect their litters in a bag and throw it in the garbage because polluting places and parks is forbidden. Garbage collectors are not alone required to clean public places, but people in general must maintain them clean. It was reported in the Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya' (This term "Haya'" covers a large number of concepts which are to be taken together; amongst them are self-respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.) is a part of faith."

So, if removing harm from the road is part of faith and its doer shall gain a great reward, how about those who place the harm in the road? They must be sinful and shall be punished for that; we ask Allah for forgiveness and we repent to Him.

15- The one who enters an assembly in which a person recites the Qur'an or advises people, he should sit and listen wherever he finds a room even if he is a celebrity out of politeness to the words of Allah. When a reciter or adviser finishes, the person should salute the attendants and sit in his place. He should not make someone stand up to sit in his place except if a person insists on leaving the place for him. A reasonable person should avoid words that may harm the sitters or hearers.

16- The assembled people even if they are two must avoid backbiting, gossip and idle talks, and the one who sees or hears something of that should advise the people and if they do not accept his advice, he should leave the assembly. Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur'ân) that when you hear the Verses of Allâh being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allâh will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell." [Surat An-Nisa ': 140].

17- All the people should be keen to say the invocation of expiation for a gathering sincerely which reads: "Subhanka Allahumma Rabbana Wabihamdik, Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illa Ant, Nastaghfiruka Allahumma Wanatubu Ilayk [Glory be to Allah, our Lord and praise be to You. I testify that there is no god but You. We seek Your Forgiveness and we repent to You]."

May Allah send peace and blessing upon His Servant and Messenger, Prophet Muhammad and his family.