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Obligations and Sunnahs

How to Perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid

How to Pray the Salutation of the Mosque (Tahiyyat al-Masjid)

In Islam, the act of prayer is a central component of a Muslim’s life, with its rituals and significance permeating every aspect of daily existence. One of the practices that showcases the importance of prayer within the mosque is the Salutation of the Mosque, or Tahiyyat al-Masjid. This prayer is a Sunnah, or recommended act, that Muslims perform upon entering a mosque. It is an expression of respect and reverence for the sacred space, signaling a commitment to worship and submission to Allah (God). The Tahiyyat al-Masjid holds significance not only for the individual offering the prayer but also as a means of preparing oneself spiritually for the main prayer or any other religious activities inside the mosque.

What is Tahiyyat al-Masjid?

Tahiyyat al-Masjid is a two-unit prayer (Rak’ahs) performed by a Muslim upon entering a mosque, before sitting down. It is considered a means of honoring the mosque, the place of worship, and it serves as a way to greet the mosque with respect. The concept of greeting the mosque stems from the idea that a mosque, being a house of Allah, deserves special respect and reverence.

This prayer is not obligatory (Fard), but rather a highly encouraged Sunnah. Although it is not a requirement, it is considered a good practice, recommended for anyone who enters the mosque without having already performed a prescribed prayer, such as the obligatory ones (like Dhuhr, Asr, or Maghrib). In such cases, the Tahiyyat al-Masjid acts as a welcoming gesture to the house of Allah before engaging in any further activities.

Importance and Significance

The significance of Tahiyyat al-Masjid lies in its association with the act of honoring the mosque as a sacred space dedicated to the worship of Allah. By performing this prayer, Muslims affirm their respect for the mosque and its sanctity. In the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), it is stated that upon entering a mosque, a Muslim should not sit down until they have prayed two Rak’ahs, which serves as an acknowledgment of the holiness of the space and a way to maintain a connection with Allah right before engaging in more structured prayers.

Moreover, performing the Tahiyyat al-Masjid can also serve as an act of purification. Since mosques are dedicated spaces for prayer and remembrance of Allah, entering with the intention of performing this prayer reflects a clean, humble heart and a desire to engage fully in worship.

The Steps for Performing Tahiyyat al-Masjid

The procedure for performing the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is relatively simple and mirrors the steps of any other voluntary prayer. It involves two Rak’ahs and follows the basic prayer format outlined in Islamic teachings.

1. Intention (Niyyah)

The first step before any prayer is to make a sincere intention (niyyah). This is an internal decision to pray for the sake of Allah, acknowledging that you are about to perform the Tahiyyat al-Masjid upon entering the mosque. The intention should be made in the heart and does not need to be spoken aloud.

2. Start with Takbir al-Ihram (Opening Takbeer)

To begin the prayer, raise both hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This is known as the Takbir al-Ihram, and it marks the commencement of the prayer.

3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (Opening Chapter of the Quran)

Once you have said the opening Takbeer, you proceed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening). This Surah is recited in every Rak’ah of Islamic prayer and is a fundamental part of the Salah.

4. Recite Another Surah or Verses from the Quran

After reciting Al-Fatiha, it is recommended to recite another Surah or a few verses from the Quran. While there is no specific Surah prescribed for this prayer, common choices include short Surahs like Surah Al-Ikhlas or Surah Al-Falaq.

5. Ruku (Bowing)

After the recitation of the Surah, you then move into the bowing position (Ruku), where you bend at the waist, keeping the back straight and the hands placed on the knees. During this posture, you say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Almighty). This is repeated three times or more, as is customary in any Rak’ah.

6. Standing Back Up (I’tidal)

From the bowing position, you return to the standing position and say “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah, Rabbana Lakal Hamd” (Allah hears the one who praises Him, Our Lord, to You is due all praise). This is a moment of praise for Allah as you stand tall.

7. Sujud (Prostration)

Next, you move into the prostration position (Sujud), where the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes are in contact with the ground. In this position, you say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High), repeating it three times or more.

8. Sit Between the Two Prostrations (Jalsa)

After the first prostration, you sit briefly on your legs in a relaxed position and say “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me). This is a brief moment of reflection before moving to the second prostration.

9. Second Prostration (Sujud)

Repeat the prostration as you did earlier, offering the same praise to Allah in the Sujud position.

10. Complete the First Rak’ah

After the second prostration, you rise back up into the standing position for the second Rak’ah, repeating the same actions. Once you have completed the second Rak’ah, you go into the sitting position (Tashahhud).

11. Tashahhud (Testification)

In the sitting position, recite the testimony of faith: “At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. Assalamu ‘alayka ayyuhal-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Assalamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ibadillahi as-salihin. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasuluhu.” This is a standard prayer that Muslims recite at the end of the sitting position in every prayer.

12. Tasleem (Ending Salutation)

To conclude the prayer, you turn your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). This marks the end of the Tahiyyat al-Masjid.

When to Perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid

Tahiyyat al-Masjid is performed when a Muslim enters the mosque, irrespective of whether there is an ongoing prayer or not. However, if an individual enters the mosque while a congregation prayer is in progress, they are not expected to perform the Tahiyyat al-Masjid immediately but should rather join the prayer with the congregation. After completing the obligatory prayer, they may then offer the Tahiyyat al-Masjid if they wish.

Exceptions and Considerations

While the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is a highly encouraged Sunnah, there are a few exceptions and considerations:

  • If the prayer time is about to end: If you enter the mosque just before the beginning of an obligatory prayer and the time for that prayer is about to expire, you are not expected to perform the Tahiyyat al-Masjid. Instead, you should join the congregation immediately.

  • If you are performing a prescribed prayer: If you have already performed the obligatory prayer (such as Dhuhr or Asr) and enter the mosque afterward, the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is not required as you have already performed a formal prayer.

  • Entering for a non-prayer activity: If you enter the mosque for a purpose other than prayer, such as to visit someone or for an event not related to Salah, the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is still a recommended act but not mandatory.

Conclusion

In summary, the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is a simple but meaningful Sunnah prayer that serves as a way to greet the mosque with respect and honor before sitting down. It consists of two Rak’ahs and is performed immediately upon entering a mosque, except under certain conditions. Though not obligatory, it carries a great deal of spiritual and psychological significance, aligning the individual’s actions with reverence for the sacred space and enhancing their connection with Allah. It is a beautiful reminder of the reverence due to the places of worship in Islam and the importance of maintaining purity and mindfulness in every act of worship.

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