A Practical Guide To Purifying Mosques
Mosques are among the most sacred places on earth for Muslims. They are the houses of Allah, built for worship, remembrance, and learning. Allah commands, “Purify My House for those who perform tawaf, those who stand in prayer, and those who bow and prostrate.” (Al-Hajjj: 26)
These words remind us that maintaining the cleanliness and dignity of mosques is not optional—it is an act of worship.
Why Purity Matters in the House of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that mosques should remain clean and pure because they are built for prayer, recitation of Quran, and remembrance of Allah—not for worldly talk or transactions. When a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, the Prophet ﷺ patiently instructed his companions, “These mosques are not for urine or filth; they are for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and recitation of the Qur’an.” (Muslim)
Instead of scolding the man, the Prophet ﷺ had water poured over the spot—teaching us that preserving cleanliness is essential to maintaining the sanctity of the mosque.
Maintaining the Mosque: More Than Just Cleaning
Maintaining a mosque goes beyond sweeping floors. It includes:
Repairing any damage
Regular cleaning and perfuming
Providing lighting and ventilation
Removing any harm or impurity
The Prophet ﷺ said, “I was shown the deeds of my Ummah, both good and bad. Among the good, I saw removing harm from the road; among the bad, I saw phlegm in the mosque that was not buried.” (Muslim)
Even something as small as picking up litter in a mosque is a beloved act in the sight of Allah.
Perfuming Mosques: A Forgotten Sunnah
A pleasant-smelling mosque uplifts the spirit of worshipers and aids concentration in prayer. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged this practice. It is reported the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded that mosques be built in neighborhoods and that they be cleaned and perfumed.” (Abu Dawud)
The caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, used to incense the mosque every Friday. However, moderation is key—strong scents should not harm people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Honouring Mosques Beyond Cleaning
Honouring a mosque is not limited to its physical upkeep. It includes:
Wearing Proper Clothing. Allah says, “O Children of Adam, take your adornment at every mosque” (Al-A’raf: 31). Coming in pajamas or revealing clothes is inappropriate. Covering the awrah (nakedness) is a condition for valid prayer.
Avoiding Foul Odours. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever eats garlic or onion should avoid us or avoid our mosque.” (Muslim)
No Buying, Selling, or Worldly Disputes. Mosques are not marketplaces or debating halls. Loud arguments or worldly discussions strip mosques of their dignity.
Frequenting the Mosque for Worship. The greatest honour you can show to a mosque is to pray in it, attend congregational prayers, and engage in dhikr. Allah praises saying, “In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised and His Name mentioned therein… men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah.” (An-Nur: 36–37)
A Call to Action
Every time you visit a mosque, ask yourself: Am I honoring this sacred place?
Pick up litter if you see it.
Lower your voice.
Come clean, well-dressed, and perfumed (moderately).
Contribute to mosque upkeep.
Caring for the house of Allah is a sign of faith, “The mosques of Allah are only maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.” (At-Tawbah: 18)
Final Thought
The mosque is not just a building—it’s the heart of a Muslim community. Let’s revive the Sunnah of keeping mosques clean, perfumed, and dignified. By doing so, we not only beautify our places of worship but also draw closer to Allah.
