Can I use my phone in the mosque?
Yes, you can use your phone in the mosque for good or ordinary purposes, like reading Quran, checking prayer times or sending a quick message, as long as it doesn't disturb anyone. Silence it before the prayer starts, and put it away completely during the prayer and the Friday khutbah.
The phone itself isn't the problem
A phone is a tool. Reading Quran from an app, looking up a dua, following a class or checking the time is a fine use of it in the mosque. What matters is the same thing that matters for talking: don't be loud, don't distract people who are praying, and don't do things that don't belong in a house of Allah, like playing games with sound on or watching inappropriate content.
Silent mode is good manners
A ringtone in the middle of a silent prayer pulls dozens of people out of their focus. The Prophet ﷺ said a Muslim is someone from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe (Sahih al-Bukhari 10), and not disturbing people's worship is part of that. Switch to silent or flight mode as you walk in. Many mosques in Europe and the USA put up "please switch off your phone" signs for this reason.
If it does ring while you're praying, a small movement to silence it is fine. See What if my phone rings while I'm praying? Also think twice about Quran recitation as a ringtone, since it can go off in the wrong place. See Can I set the Quran as my ringtone?
When to put it away
- During the prayer: no checking messages or notifications. Scholars differ on reading Quran from a phone in voluntary prayer, but in congregation just follow the imam.
- During the Friday khutbah: listen in silence. Even saying "be quiet" to someone then counts as idle talk (Sahih al-Bukhari 934). See Can I use my phone during the Friday sermon?
- Phone calls: step outside or into the foyer, and keep it short.
- Photos and videos: ask first, and never film people while they pray.
Business and announcements
Using the mosque as an office for deals, or loudly calling around about something you lost, goes against mosque etiquette. The Prophet ﷺ told people not to announce lost property in the mosque (Sahih Muslim 568). Ask the office or post on the mosque group chat instead.
- Using a phone for Quran, duas or quick tasks in the mosque is fine.
- Switch to silent before entering the prayer hall.
- Put it away during the prayer and the Friday khutbah.
- Take calls outside and don't film people praying.
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