What is tahiyyat al-masjid?
Yes, it's a simple sunnah. Tahiyyat al-masjid, the "greeting of the mosque," is two voluntary rakat you pray when you walk into a mosque, before you sit down. It's highly recommended, not obligatory, so you're not sinning if you skip it, but it's an easy reward to pick up every time.
Where it comes from
The Prophet ﷺ said: "If anyone of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak'at before sitting" (Sahih al-Bukhari 444, Sahih Muslim 714). Most scholars from all four schools understand this as a strong recommendation (sunnah) rather than a duty. It's a way of showing respect to Allah's house, much like greeting the host when you arrive somewhere.
How to pray it
- Make the intention in your heart to pray two rakat for entering the mosque. There's nothing special to say out loud.
- Pray two normal rakat, the same way you pray the two-rakat Fajr, reciting al-Fatiha and a short surah in each. See How do I pray as a Muslim?
- It doubles up: if you enter and pray a sunnah prayer or the obligatory prayer right away, that covers it. You don't need a separate two rakat.
- If you sat down by mistake, many scholars say you can still stand and pray it if only a short time has passed.
During the Friday khutbah
A man called Sulayk al-Ghatafani came in on a Friday and sat down while the Prophet ﷺ was giving the sermon. The Prophet ﷺ told him to stand and pray two rakat and keep them short, then said that anyone who arrives while the imam is speaking should do the same (Sahih Muslim 875).
Based on this, Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars say you should pray two quick rakat even during the khutbah. Hanafi and Maliki scholars say you should sit and listen instead, since listening to the khutbah takes priority. Both views are respected, so follow what your mosque or teacher practises, and either way keep it short and quiet. See Can I use my phone during the Friday sermon?
What about the forbidden times?
There are times when voluntary prayer is discouraged: after Fajr until the sun has risen, after 'Asr until sunset (Sahih al-Bukhari 586), and the short moment when the sun is at its highest (Sahih Muslim 831). Scholars differ on whether tahiyyat al-masjid can be prayed then:
- Hanafi and Maliki: don't pray it in these times; just sit.
- Shafi'i: pray it, because it has a specific reason (entering the mosque).
- Hanbali: the main view is not to pray it, though some Hanbali scholars, like Ibn Taymiyyah, allowed it.
If you're unsure, it's fine to follow your mosque's practice or simply sit and make dhikr.
- Two rakat when you enter a mosque, before sitting.
- It's a sunnah, not an obligation.
- An obligatory or sunnah prayer on entering also counts.
- Scholars differ on praying it during the khutbah and at forbidden times.
People also ask
Can I pray Jumu'ah at home?
No, you can't pray Jumu'ah alone at home, as it needs a congregation and khutbah. Pray Dhuhr instead; most scholars reject livestreamed Jumu'ah.
Read the full answer →What are the sunnahs of Friday?
The sunnahs of Friday: ghusl, siwak, perfume, going early to Jumu'ah, listening to the khutbah, salawat, the dua hour and Surah al-Kahf.
Read the full answer →Can I bring my kids to the mosque?
Yes, you can bring your kids to the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ welcomed kids and shortened prayer for a crying child. Tips on noise and kids' programs.
Read the full answer →What should I wear to the mosque?
Wear clean, loose, modest clothes to the mosque: men cover navel to knee, women all but face and hands. Bring clean socks and avoid strong smells.
Read the full answer →Do women have to go to Jumu'ah?
No, women don't have to go to Jumu'ah. They may attend and are rewarded, and praying it with the congregation counts in place of Dhuhr.
Read the full answer →