The Importance of Mosque Construction
The entire history of Islam is closely associated with the mosque. All the noble prophets undertook the construction of mosques for the worship of Allah. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, before building his own house, he had the Quba Mosque constructed, followed by the Prophet’s Mosque. In reality, the Prophet’s Mosque was the center of Islamic governance, and it was the most significant Islamic power of that era. All decisions were issued from the Prophet’s Mosque. Mosques were not only places of worship but also centers for the education of children and women. They provided training even to the Islamic army. In these mosques, people of all races and colors gathered, setting aside differences and divisions, and they spread the message of love throughout the world.
The verses of the Quran that relate to the Prophet’s Mosque and its fundamental objectives and purposes indicate that mosques are centers for the worship of the One God and the invitation to peace. Their prosperity is connected to the remembrance of Allah, prayers, and worship. It is a directive from the Exalted and Glorious Allah.
Furthermore, these mosques are for the remembrance of Allah alone, so do not call upon anyone else along with Allah. This verse directs the propagation of monotheism in mosques and emphasizes keeping them free from all forms of polytheism. Another commandment from Allah Almighty is:
So, set your face to the Faith uprightly, this (faith) being the nature designed by Allah on which He has created the mankind. There is no change in Allah’s creation. That is the straight faith, but most of the people do not know. (30:30)
This guidance encourages sincere worship and warns against insincere acts. The importance and nobility of a mosque lie in its being a place where the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of the Quran take place. It is the highest and most valuable place, where Allah is remembered, and where people prostrate in obedience to Him. Just as human destinies are determined by acts of worship, similarly, the destiny of pieces of land is determined. Each piece of land has its own value, and Allah chooses the land He desires to build His house. Once Allah chooses a piece of land, it becomes honorable, distinguished, and respected.
In a Hadith, it is mentioned that just as you see the stars shining and twinkling in the sky, the same way mosques established on the earth are visible as radiant and bright. The position and status of those who construct mosques and those who populate them can be estimated without difficulty.
This is the reason why Allah Almighty entrusted the construction of mosques to the Prophets (عليهم السلام). The Quran mentions the construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’il (عليه السلام) and describes it as a divine command.
At that time, when Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was raising the foundations of the Kaaba along with his son Isma’il (عليه السلام), both of them were praying to Allah in these words: ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’ Surely, the One Who listens to all and knows all, He alone listens to the prayers of humans.
Similarly, through the efforts of Prophet Solomon (عليه السلام), the construction of Al-Aqsa Mosque was completed. After the arrival of the greatest Prophet of the Universe, Prophet Muhammad (عليه السلام) in Madinah Munawwarah, the construction of the Prophet’s Mosque was undertaken with the companions (may Allah be pleased with them). During the construction, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) himself would carry stones to contribute to the effort. The companions offered, ‘O Messenger of Allah, do not trouble yourself; we are sufficient for the construction of the mosque.’ He responded, ‘The way you will receive the reward, I too am in need of the reward from Allah.’
Furthermore, to encourage the construction of mosques, the Hadith states: ‘Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.
وَعَنْ عُثْمَانَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ بَنَى لِلَّهِ مَسْجِدًا بَنَى اللَّهُ لَهُ بَيْتًا فِي الْجَنَّةِ»
‘Uthman reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone builds a mosque for God, God will build a house for him in paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
In one tradition, it is narrated that whoever builds a mosque, whether it is as simple and small as a bird’s nest or even smaller, Allah Almighty will build a house for them in paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) designated mosques as the gardens of paradise, and those who visit mosques are deserving of the rewards of Hajj and Umrah. The act of constructing a mosque is considered an ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). Allah has made mosques His own houses, and the vicinity of a mosque is a place of great virtue. Mosques are havens for those who are cautious and mindful.
It is not just a matter of encouragement; rather, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gave a command to build mosques and emphasized their virtue in practical terms. He himself participated in the construction of mosques, and he used to personally sweep and clean them with the clothes of his companions. This act of the Prophet (ﷺ) was an honor for those who served the mosque.
Love for mosques is a sign of faith. There is great reward and virtue in participating in the construction of a mosque. In the present day, it is imperative for Muslims to strengthen their connection with mosques and ensure the prosperity of their own and their children’s ties to them. Muslims in every region should be concerned about and work to strengthen their relationships with mosques. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) grant us the means to build mosques and make them a means for their continual blessings. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds. (رضي الله عنها)
