How to Perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid

How to Perform the Greeting of the Mosque (Tahiyyat al-Masjid)

The Greeting of the Mosque, known in Arabic as “Tahiyyat al-Masjid,” is a highly recommended prayer that a Muslim offers upon entering a mosque. This prayer serves as a means of showing respect for the sacred space and is a way to establish an immediate connection with the Divine before settling down to perform any other prayers. While not obligatory, performing the Tahiyyat al-Masjid is strongly encouraged in Islam, and it is considered a Sunnah, a practice that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended and frequently performed himself. This article will explore the significance, the step-by-step procedure, and the recommended prayers associated with the Greeting of the Mosque.

The Importance of Tahiyyat al-Masjid

Entering a mosque is a sacred act, as it is the place where Muslims come together to pray, reflect, and seek closeness to Allah. The mosque is often considered a sanctuary where the divine presence is believed to be most palpable. Thus, the act of entering it should be accompanied by a gesture of reverence and humility. The Tahiyyat al-Masjid, or the “greeting of the mosque,” is a way of acknowledging this sanctity.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of offering two units of prayer (rak’ahs) upon entering the mosque as a form of greeting the place. This greeting is also seen as a way of preparing oneself for the upcoming act of worship, ensuring that one’s mind and body are attuned to the spiritual environment before engaging in the main prayer (Salah). It is a reflection of the profound respect that every Muslim is encouraged to show for the places of worship.

The Timing and Conditions of Tahiyyat al-Masjid

The Tahiyyat al-Masjid prayer is highly recommended upon entering the mosque at any time, but there are certain situations where it becomes more relevant, particularly during the times when Salah is not being offered. For instance, if a person enters the mosque during the obligatory prayer times, they are encouraged to offer Tahiyyat al-Masjid unless it coincides with an ongoing prayer that they can join.

However, there are exceptions, such as during the prohibited times for prayer, which are:

1. The period just after the Fajr prayer until the sun rises.
2. The time just before the Maghrib prayer, just as the sun is setting.
3. When the Imam is delivering the sermon (Khutbah) on Fridays.

During these periods, it is generally not recommended to pray additional voluntary prayers, including the Tahiyyat al-Masjid, as the focus should be on the prescribed prayers.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Performing Tahiyyat al-Masjid

Performing the Tahiyyat al-Masjid prayer is quite simple and mirrors the structure of a regular Salah. Here are the steps involved:

1. Enter the Mosque with Reverence:

   • Upon entering the mosque, it is important to maintain an attitude of humility and respect. As a sign of reverence, it is customary to enter with the right foot first, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended using the right foot when entering any place.

2. Make a Brief Du’a (Supplication):

   • Before beginning the prayer, it is recommended to silently make a du’a or supplication. This supplication can be a personal prayer to seek guidance, forgiveness, or blessings, and there is no fixed du’a that must be said. A commonly used supplication when entering the mosque is:

     “اللهم افتح لي أبواب رحمتك”
     (Allahumma Iftah li Abwaaba Rahmatika)
     (“O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me.”)

3. Pray Two Rak’ahs:

   • The Tahiyyat al-Masjid consists of two rak’ahs (units of prayer). The procedure for these rak’ahs is similar to regular prayer (Salah):
     1. Niyyah (Intention): The person should make an intention in their heart that they are performing the Tahiyyat al-Masjid prayer.
     2. Takbir al-Ihram (Opening Takbir): Raise both hands and say “Allahu Akbar”, marking the beginning of the prayer.
     3. Recite Surah al-Fatiha and a Surah of Your Choice in Each Rak’ah: After reciting Al-Fatiha, recite another Surah of the Qur’an in each rak’ah. It is common to recite shorter Surahs such as Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, or Surah An-Nas.
     4. Ruku’ (Bowing): After the recitation, bow down in the ruku’ position and praise Allah.
     5. Sujud (Prostration): After rising from ruku’, perform two prostrations, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la”, and then sit briefly before performing the second prostration.
     6. Tashahhud (Testification): After completing the second rak’ah, sit for the Tashahhud (testification) and recite the testimony of faith: “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluh”, which translates to, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
     7. Tasleem (Salutation): Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right, then to the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”.

4. Engage in Reflection:

   • After completing the two rak’ahs, it is recommended to spend a few moments in reflection, offering silent prayers, seeking forgiveness, or praising Allah. This quiet moment serves as a spiritual preparation for the upcoming prayer, and it aligns with the overarching principle of connecting with Allah before performing any other worship.

Benefits of Tahiyyat al-Masjid

Performing Tahiyyat al-Masjid comes with numerous spiritual benefits:

• Respect for the Mosque: Offering this prayer reflects a deep sense of reverence for the mosque, which is a sacred space for worship.

• Spiritual Purification: The act of performing any form of prayer helps purify the soul, drawing the worshipper closer to Allah.

• Preparation for Salah: The Tahiyyat al-Masjid serves as a spiritual preparation for the main prayer (Salah). By offering these two rak’ahs, the worshipper can clear their mind, focus, and mentally prepare for the upcoming Salah.

• Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH): By performing this prayer, one follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), thereby earning rewards in the Hereafter.

• A Means of Forgiveness: It is believed that performing voluntary prayers such as Tahiyyat al-Masjid can help in the forgiveness of sins. This is consistent with the general principle in Islam that performing good deeds and acts of worship helps to expiate minor sins.

Conclusion

The Tahiyyat al-Masjid, though not obligatory, holds significant merit in Islam. It is a way to honor the sacredness of the mosque and a means of seeking closeness to Allah before engaging in any formal act of worship. Through its simple yet profound practice, Muslims establish a spiritual connection upon entering the mosque, ensuring that their hearts and minds are prepared for the Salah. By understanding the significance of this prayer and performing it regularly, a Muslim not only gains spiritual benefits but also adheres to the beautiful traditions laid out by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), following his example and inviting the mercy and blessings of Allah into their lives.