The masjid should be a citadel of learning. The first verse revealed to our Prophet is ‘Iqra’ or read. The masjid should conduct survey to find out the literacy rates and arrange classes accordingly, firstly to teach the people in the local language, next proceeding to English and then to Arabic. Lectures or talks being given should be based on the academic calibre and language proficiency of the people in order to amass followership. We must not forget that the Prophet made it a requirement for captives in Battle of Badr to teach ten muslims how to read and write before they were granted freedom. Thus, the Islamic emphasis on literacy should not be overlooked.
The earlier roles of masjid are as summarised:
Headquarters of Muslims- to run state affairs such as signing official agreements
Judicial court- to resolve rifts and disagreements
School and university
Information center- carry news related to new baby, death, marriage, war, famine etc delivered on the minbar
Platform for oratory/poetry- the prophet provide a podium for the companions to recite poetry about the Jahiliyyah times- open to public without needing application
Abode for prisoners of war- Thumama bin Uthal was tied to the masjid’s pillar but the prophet ordered for his release. He then embraced Islam.
Clinic- the prophet pitched a tent for Sa’ad bin Mu’adh who was bleeding profusely so he could be close to him for visitations. He died a month later.
Abode for the poor- shelter for ahlus suffah
Place to relax- sleep qailullah
Place for eating- ahlus suffah eat in the corridors
Place for consultation- discuss socio-econo-political issues
Place for devotion- salawat, i’tikaf, adzkar etc
Implementation of Allah’s decree-allegation of adultery by either husband or wife
Today’s mosques are not able to accommodate all the roles due to increased Muslim population however bigger-sized mosques can still create departments for different functions. University al-Azhar in Cairo is an example of a masjid which became a full-fledged academy and still operates until now. Libraries are also installed to aid intellectual discussions and one example of a notable library in history is Darul Hikmah in Cairo. In Cordoba, mosques were equipped with a dispensary complete with medicine, attendants and even medical books.
We need to support the cause for our masjid because there will be a reward for paradise like the Prophet said “Whoever built a masjid, Allah will build him a mansion in paradise”. There is a reward for the good deeds and forgiveness of sins. It is also a proof of piety like the hadith, “He shall only attend the Allah’s masjid who believe in Allah and the Last Day”.
Masjids are all honoured sites but there are three ancient mosques being raised in virtue and position which are Masjid al-Haram, Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid al-Aqsa. This is strengthened by the hadith, “A prayer in Masjid al-Haram is like 100,000 prayers elsewhere. Prayer in my masjid is like 1000 prayers elsewhere. And a prayer in Bait al-Maqdis is like 500 prayers elsewhere”.
As an exclusive abode of Allah on Earth, we should observe etiquettes in the masjid. Firstly, we should build it on the basis of sincerity. It must not be built on a grave. Secondly, we must maintain the masjid with proper hygiene and ventilation. The jamaah are encouraged to wear beautiful apparels and must get rid of body odour so as not to disturb others. Thirdly, there is an obligation to pray in congregation. According to hadith, “When anyone of you hear the iqamah, he must walk with tranquility to the masjid to join the prayer”. There is also a Quranic revelation on stopping trade as soon as the azan for Solatul Jumu’ah is heard. Forth, enter with the right leg followed by supplication. Fifth, salute the masjid by performing solat tahiyyatul masjid before sitting if the congregational prayer doesn’t start yet. Sixth, adopt a sutrah or barrier. It is not allowed for anyone to cross in front of a person who is performing solat without any barrier in front of him. Seventh, restrain from disturbing worshippers. Eighth, straighten rows and close gaps while praying from shoulder-to-shoulder and toe-to-toe to promote the spirit of brotherhood and equality.
Among the things prohibited in the masjid are fighting, distractive decoration, trading (it is disliked or makruh), spitting, eating garlic or onion that cause unpleasant odour, dancng, singing and clapping, turning the masjid into a graveyard, plotting or scheming.
The elite class is the intellegentsia or the brainiacs of the society. However, there is minimal involvement from them in masjid organisation towards welfare building. Mosques need elites who are accountants in order to audit the books of accounts for greater transparency. Seasoned business administators are also needed in the running of the masjid’s other segments such as the library and daycare center. Service of lawyers is needed pertaining legal matters affecting the masjid. Media journalists should work together to advertise masjid’s programmes for better public awareness. Political elites should use their position to represent the masjid’s interests. If masjid wants to be relevant to the society, these elites need to work in conjunction with Islamic clerics in decision-making.
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