Fatwa ID: 01672

Answered by Molana Ishaaq Hussain

Question:

What is meant by Worldly talks which are prohibited in mosques?

 Answer:

While a person remains in the masjid one should abstain from talking about worldly matters and unnecessary talks.

Worldly talks refer to any talks or conversations which are not religiously orientated. This includes backbiting, lying and any general conversations about business or weather etc…

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala mentions in the Holy Quran:

"And the places of worship are for Allah so invoke not anyone along with Allah"(Surah Jinn v.18)

One of the etiquettes of the masjid is that whilst one is in the masjid one should abstain from worldly talks" (Fatawa Hindiyyah p.321 v.5)

Furthermore, the following hadeeth makes matters much more clearer on this issue,

Sayiduna Anas bin Malik narrates that the Prophet of Allah said "a time will come upon people when they will sit in circles in their Masaajids and their only concern will be the world i.e. they will talk about worldly affairs, Allah is in no need of such people so do not sit with them".

(Narrated by Hakim in al mustadrak and Imam Dahabi declared it authentic.)

In a similar hadith which can be found in Sunan Bayhaqi its mentioned a time will come when people will indulge in worldly talks in the masjid, you must not sit with these people, Allah has no need for such people.

It is a sinful act to talk about worldly matters, backbite and get involved in unnecessary talk which itself is only prohibited. Remember Masaajids belong to Allah alone therefore it is only fitting that we engage ourselves in those actions which get us closer to Allah and by which Allah becomes pleased with us and we should abstain from those actions which bring down the wrath of Allah.

It is important we keep in mind some adaabs/etiquettes of the Masjid. The great Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani(DB) mentions in his book "Islahi Khutubaat" that one should turn towards the remembrance of Allah if there is time for recitation of the Quran,one should engage himself in the recitation of the Quran, engage oneself in Nafl Salah, and when it’s time for Salah then keeping in mind its etiquettes and Sunnahs fulfil the Salah" (Islahi Khutubaat p.176 v.3).

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Molana Ishaaq Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.