Every religion has a place earmarked for worship of their Creator or god (s). These places are generally used occasionally, one a week or even more time interval. However, n Islam, the masjid (mosque) is not just a place of worship but a central institution in the community with multiple spiritual, educational, and social roles. While other religious traditions also emphasize places of worship, the role of the masjid in Islam has unique aspects that make it central to the faith and the daily lives of Muslims. It is for this reason, the masjid are open for five daily prayers every day besides for conduct of community services and religion and spiritual education.
The primary purpose of a masjid is to provide a dedicated space for worship, specifically for the five daily prayers, which are obligatory for all Muslims. It serves as a spiritual center where Muslims can connect with Allah through congregational prayer (Salat), supplications (du’a), and personal reflection. The communal Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) is also held here, where the sermon (khutbah) serves as an opportunity for spiritual learning and community guidance.
For this very reason, construction of a masjid in very community is a must and those who fund making of a masjid are promised great reward by Allah Himself. This promise has been conveyed to the believers by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 5 The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer / كتاب الْمَسَاجِدِ وَمَوَاضِعِ الصَّلاَةِ / Chapter 4: The virtue of building masajid and encouragement to do so / باب بفَضْلِ بِنَاءِ الْمَسَاجِدِ وَالْحَثِّ عَلَيْهَا / as Hadith number # 533b as under:
Mahmud b. Labid reported:
When 'Uthman b. 'Affan intended to build the mosque (of the Prophet) the people did not approve of it. They liked that it should be kept in the same state. Thereupon he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: He who built a mosque for Allah, Allah would build a house for him like it in Paradise.
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، - وَاللَّفْظُ لاِبْنِ الْمُثَنَّى - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الْحَمِيدِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي، عَنْ مَحْمُودِ بْنِ لَبِيدٍ، أَنَّ عُثْمَانَ بْنَ عَفَّانَ، أَرَادَ بِنَاءَ الْمَسْجِدِ فَكَرِهَ النَّاسُ ذَلِكَ فَأَحَبُّوا أَنْ يَدَعَهُ عَلَى هَيْئَتِهِ فَقَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " مَنْ بَنَى مَسْجِدًا لِلَّهِ بَنَى اللَّهُ لَهُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مِثْلَهُ " .
Explanation of the Hadith
- Context of the Prophet’s Mosque Renovation: When Uthman ibn Affan wanted to expand the Prophet’s Mosque, some of the people were resistant to the idea, possibly due to attachment to its original form and simplicity. In response, Uthman referenced this hadith to remind them of the great spiritual reward promised for building or contributing to a mosque.
- The Reward of Building a Mosque: This hadith emphasizes the reward for those who contribute to building a place of worship for Allah. A mosque serves as a community hub for prayer, worship, learning, and social support, so contributing to such a space benefits the entire community and strengthens ties within it.
The promise that "Allah would build a house for him like it in Paradise" signifies an eternal reward that reflects the selfless dedication of one’s resources for the sake of Allah. This motivates Muslims to support the construction and maintenance of mosques as an act of enduring charity (sadaqah jariyah), which continues to benefit them in the Hereafter.
- Encouragement of Charity and Community Welfare: This hadith underscores the importance of charitable giving, especially towards causes that enhance the community’s spiritual and social well-being. Supporting a mosque reflects a commitment to communal worship, education, and service, all of which are highly encouraged in Islam.
In Islam, supporting others in accessing spiritual resources and spaces is seen as a form of ongoing charity. Mosques often serve as centers of learning, support, and gathering, so facilitating these activities brings lasting rewards.
- Symbolic and Literal Meanings: The phrase “Allah would build a house for him in Paradise” can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literally, it implies an actual home awaiting the person in Paradise, while symbolically, it suggests Allah’s approval and closeness to the person who aids in establishing places of worship.
This heavenly “house” in Paradise reflects the enduring legacy of those who contribute to building and supporting mosques on Earth, showing that their investment yields eternal benefits.
Quranic Reference Supporting the Hadith
The Qur'an also places a high value on building and maintaining mosques, recognizing it as an act of devotion. Allah says:
"The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakat and do not fear except Allah, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided." (Qur’an, 9:18)
This verse emphasizes that believers who dedicate themselves to the establishment and upkeep of mosques are on the path to guidance and divine favor.
Lessons from the Hadith
- Community Investment and Ongoing Charity: Contributing to a mosque is seen as a form of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), meaning its rewards continue as long as people benefit from it. Each prayer offered, each lesson taught, and each act of charity that occurs in the mosque contributes to the reward of the person who helped build or maintain it.
- The Importance of Supporting Communal Worship: The mosque is the spiritual and social center of a Muslim community, a place where believers gather to worship and connect. Supporting its construction strengthens the community, creating an environment where people can grow spiritually and socially.
- Encouraging Sacrifice for Allah’s Sake: This hadith highlights the significance of dedicating one’s resources for the sake of Allah. It encourages Muslims to sacrifice a portion of their wealth, time, or energy to support and enhance their community, reminding them of the immense rewards promised by Allah.
- The Role of Leaders in Establishing Worship Centers: Uthman’s role in expanding the Prophet’s Mosque sets an example for leaders to take initiative in matters that benefit the community’s spiritual life, even in the face of opposition. It shows that leaders in Islam are not only responsible for the physical upkeep of worship spaces but also for ensuring they can accommodate and serve the growing community.
This hadith thus beautifully conveys the enduring rewards of building or supporting a mosque for the sake of Allah. It serves as a reminder that contributing to the well-being and spiritual growth of the Muslim community carries a profound reward in the Hereafter. Mosques are not just buildings but are central to nurturing faith and fostering unity. By investing in a mosque, a believer earns continuous rewards, reflecting both their commitment to Allah and their care for their community.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
