In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful.
There are very few things which influence a person more than their environment. The home they grow up in, the people they see, the school they attend etc. all play their part in shaping a person and their personality. This concept, the environment as a key influencer in someone’s life, is by no means a modern phenomenon, rather it is a concept that has been understood for thousands of years. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not only understood this concept, but through inspiration from Allah actively called to the importance of ensuring the environment around you is one of purity and righteousness. An example of such is that which was narrated by Abu Hurairah where the Prophet PBUH said “A man follows the religion of his friends, so he should consider whom he makes his friend”.
Keeping this concept in mind, any Muslim seeking guidance and righteousness would be naturally inclined towards the places in which Allah (SWT) has honoured, these places being the Masaajid (mosques) of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “And Masaajid (mosques) belong to Allah so do not invoke anyone along with Allah”. The importance of the masjid in a Muslim’s life cannot be overstated; if built upon seeking Allah’s pleasure and following the way of the Prophet, the masjid becomes the pillar of the community. The Masjid is a school for those who want to learn, a place to seek advice for those who need it and most importantly it is a place to worship Allah as he has commanded.
Guidance and attending the masjid go hand in hand. You will not find a person whom Allah guides except he/she has a strong connection to the masjid. The Prophet PBUH taught us in a hadith speaking about those whom Allah will shade on the day of Judgement that amongst these people will be those whose hearts are attached to the masjid. Stressing the importance of the masjid in a Muslim’s life is more important now than ever. With the advancement of the internet, more and more Muslims are opting out of attending the masjid to learn, preferring to use the online resources available to them and preferring to pray alone at home. Though the internet has its benefits and undoubtedly one can find excellent resources on it; there is no substitute to sitting at the feet of our learned teachers, and we must never forget the multitude of rewards available to the one who prays in congregation, as was narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said: “Prayer in congregation is twenty-five times better than the prayer of one of you on his own.” According to another report: “twenty-seven times better.”
I ask Allah he guides us all to the straight path and makes us of those whose hearts are connected to the masjid.
Agreed Upon