What is mosque etiquette in Islam?
Mosque etiquette in Islam means coming clean and modestly dressed, entering calmly with a short dua, praying two rak'ahs, and keeping the space quiet, tidy and welcoming. Most of it is simple good manners with a few sunnahs added. Nobody expects a new Muslim or a visitor to know everything on day one.
Before you go
Allah tells us to make an effort with our appearance for the mosque:
- Wear clean, loose, modest clothes. Men cover at least navel to knee, and usually the shoulders; women cover everything except face and hands. See What should I wear to the mosque?
- Smell good. The Prophet ﷺ told those who ate raw garlic or onion to keep away from the mosque (Sahih Muslim 564). Strong cigarette smell falls under the same idea. See Can I eat garlic before going to the mosque?
- Make wudu at home if you can; mosque wudu areas get crowded before Jumu'ah.
Entering the mosque
- Shoes off at the door or shoe rack, and step in with your right foot.
- Say the entering dua: "Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik" (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy) (Sahih Muslim 713). When leaving, say "Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik" (O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty).
- Pray two rak'ahs before sitting. The Prophet ﷺ said, "When one of you enters the mosque, let him pray two rak'ahs before he sits" (Sahih al-Bukhari 444). See What is tahiyyat al-masjid?
Inside the prayer hall
- Keep your voice low. Others may be praying or reading Quran. Put your phone on silent.
- Don't walk in front of someone praying. Go around, or wait.
- Don't step over people to get to the front, especially during the Friday khutbah.
- No buying, selling or loud arguments in the prayer area. Many mosques have a separate hall or shop for that.
- Fill gaps in the rows and stand close to the person next to you.
Helping the place stay nice
Put your Quran back on the shelf, fold any prayer mat you used, and keep the wudu area dry. Bring children if you can, and keep them close and gently supervised. Small acts like these are rewarded, and the volunteers who run Western mosques notice and appreciate them. If you're not Muslim yet, you're welcome too: most mosques run open days and are happy to answer questions. See Can I visit a mosque if I'm not Muslim?
- Come clean, modest and smelling good.
- Enter with the right foot and the dua for mercy.
- Pray two rak'ahs before sitting down.
- Stay quiet, don't pass in front of people praying, keep it tidy.
People also ask
Can I pray Jumu'ah in a parking lot or overflow area?
Yes, you can pray Jumu'ah in a mosque parking lot or overflow area if you're connected to the rows and can follow the imam. Conditions and tips.
Read the full answer →Is walking to the mosque rewarded?
Yes, walking to the mosque is rewarded: each step wipes away a sin and raises you a level. Hadith on footsteps, walking in the dark and driving.
Read the full answer →Can I leave the mosque after the adhan?
No, you shouldn't leave the mosque after the adhan without a good reason, says a hadith in Sahih Muslim. Valid excuses and why staying is better.
Read the full answer →Is there extra reward for praying in the first row?
Yes, there is extra reward for praying in the first row; the Prophet said people would draw lots for it. Rows for men and women and row manners.
Read the full answer →Can a church be turned into a mosque?
Yes, a church can be turned into a mosque if it is bought or given lawfully. What changes inside, the Quran on houses of worship and real examples.
Read the full answer →