Ramadan Challenge: What to do in the Masjid?

By Fatima Sajid

A masjid is considered a place of worship and learning in Islam. It unites the community of Muslims five times a day. Bigger Masajid hold khutbahs (lectures) and other Islamic educational programs for children and adults alike. Since it’s the month of Ramadan and most of us are frequently visiting the masjid, I would like to remind you all of 5 things you can do in a masjid.

Understand some Arabic

Arabic is not our mother tongue and naturally the Qiyam (standing in prayer) is a hard time for most of us especially during the Taraweeh (night prayer in Ramadan). I have observed many ladies and young girls staring at the beautiful ceiling of the masjid, but that’s not what you are here for. A healthy tip would be reading some Quran with translation while you have time. Understanding what the Imam is reciting helps us develop khushu’ (concentration and focus in prayer).

Switch off your Cell Phones

Yes, there are chances that you will get a call, maybe an important one too, but you won’t pick up your phone while you are praying so it’s only right that you switch it off. Many of us keep musical tones that are a huge distraction to the public. Trust me the Imam’s Khutbah doesn’t need any background music.

Smell Good

This is very important. Here is a little tip: sniff yourself before you leave for the masjid. If you smell like onions or garlic or sweat, you need a shower. Also if there are flies buzzing around you, you need a double shower. Allah سبحانه وتعالى says in the Quran:

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

“O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (7:31)

Dressing well and smelling good is an important etiquette for masajid.

Keep your Masjid Clean

A dirty place is not suitable for prayer. It’s important that we keep the masjid clean and teach that to our children too. Throwing used tissue papers and water bottles in the dustbins makes a great example of cleaning a masjid. One should also organize the chairs used by elderly people and return the Quran to their respective places on the shelves.

Maintain your Manners

A masjid is the heart beat of an Islamic community. It’s only right that we maintain politeness and good behaviour during our time there (that of course doesn’t mean you go abnormal outside a masjid). Try to remain calm even if someone steals your spot or takes up too much space. Bear with it if your neighbour forgot to shower or reads louder than the Imam. Spread positive energy around you by being simply accepting and forgiving. If they need to be corrected, do it politely and wisely.