Can I charge my phone at the mosque?
Yes, in most cases you can charge your phone at the mosque, as long as the mosque allows it. A quick top-up is usually seen as a normal, tolerated use. Since the electricity is paid for by donations, it's good manners to ask, keep it small and give something back.
Mosque property is a trust
A mosque's building, carpets and utilities are usually funded by community donations and set aside for worship and serving the community (a waqf). Scholars say these things should be used for their intended purpose and not taken for private gain without permission.
At the same time, scholars recognize custom ('urf). If the mosque normally lets people use a socket, or even provides charging points, then charging your phone for a short while is accepted and fine.
When it's fine, and when to ask
- Fine: the mosque has charging points or a sign saying you can use them, or people charge phones there openly and the staff don't mind.
- Ask first: charging a laptop, e-scooter, e-bike or anything that draws a lot of power, or charging for hours every day.
- Don't: unplug the mosque's equipment (heater, speaker system, clock) to use the socket, or ignore a "no charging" sign.
Be considerate in the prayer hall
- Silent mode. A ringing phone disturbs everyone. See What if my phone rings while I'm praying?
- No cables across the rows. People trip, and it blocks the lines. Charge near a wall or in the entrance area.
- Don't scroll during the khutbah. See Can I use my phone during the Friday sermon?
- Watch your phone. Unfortunately, phones do go missing from busy mosques, especially on Fridays and in Ramadan.
Give something back
If you charge regularly, drop a small donation in the box now and then. It covers more than your share of the electricity and earns you reward for supporting a place of worship. You can also help in other ways, like stacking chairs or cleaning after events. See Can I volunteer at a mosque as a new Muslim?
- A quick phone charge is usually fine if the mosque allows it.
- Mosque utilities are paid by donations, so use them fairly.
- Ask before charging big devices or for long periods.
- Keep your phone silent and cables out of the rows.
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