Allah Rejoices at Mosque-Goers

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “No Muslim man who becomes accustomed to the mosques for prayer and remembrance, except that Allah welcomes him with joy (تَبَشْبَشَ) every time he leaves his house, just as the family of a traveller joyfully welcomes him upon his return.” (Ibn Majah)

The term تَبَشْبَشَ used in this hadith refers to joyful eagerness, like that of loved ones welcoming a long-absent relative. Imagine your joy at seeing a beloved person return after a long trip — Allah is even more joyful when His servant treats the mosque like a second home, due to his frequenting it [for worship and remembrance].

Another narration found in Sahih al-Targhib reports the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no man who was accustomed to the mosques, then was held back by some concern or illness, and then returns to what he used to do, except that Allah greets him with joy, just as the family of a traveller rejoices when he returns.”

In another hadith, authenticated by Al-Albani, Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed, the mosques have pegs (regulars) — the angels are their companions. If they are absent, the angels miss them. If they are sick, they visit them. If they are in need, they help them.”

He also said, “One who sits in the mosque benefits in one of three ways: he finds a brother to benefit from, a word of wisdom, or mercy that he awaits.”

Here, mosque-goers are likened to pillars of the mosque, as if the mosque itself stands because of them — those who consistently attend congregational prayers, love the mosque, and whose hearts are attached to it.

So congratulations to mosque-goers!

Those who maintain their prayers in the mosques will have their ranks raised, their sins erased, and their place in Paradise prepared. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning or evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Paradise every time he goes or comes.” (Bukhari)

And he said, “Whoever purifies himself in his home, then walks to one of the houses of Allah to perform an obligatory prayer, one step wipes away a sin, and the other raises his rank.” (Muslim)

Also, he said, “Give glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in the darkness that they will have complete light on the Day of Resurrection.” (Abu Dawud)

The houses of Allah are unlike any other places people visit in their daily lives. They require purification before entry, respect for their etiquettes, humility and calm while inside, and a heart detached from worldly distractions. One must walk to them with calmness and dignity, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed, “When you hear the iqamah, walk to prayer with tranquillity and dignity, and do not rush. Pray what you catch, and complete what you miss.” (Bukhari)

Dear Muslim brother, if your heart and body have grown distant from the mosque, and you fear the Day when eyes will be turned in terror — be keen on praying in congregation in the houses of Allah. Beware of neglecting it when you have the ability to attend. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not go to the mosque without a valid excuse, his prayer is not accepted.” (Abu Dawud)