Virtues of Prayer at Masjid Makkah and Madinah

Sahih al-Bukhari 1190

Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "One prayer in my Mosque is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque excepting Al-Masjid-Al-Haram."

Commentary on the Excellence

This noble hadith establishes the unique virtue of praying in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, ranking it second only to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. The reward is multiplied one thousand-fold compared to prayers offered elsewhere.

Scholars explain this extraordinary multiplication stems from the sanctity of the location where revelation descended and the Prophet (ﷺ) established his mosque. This virtue applies to all prayers, obligatory and voluntary.

Hierarchy of Mosques

Al-Masjid-Al-Haram in Makkah holds the highest position where one prayer equals 100,000 prayers elsewhere. The Prophet's Mosque follows with one prayer equaling 1,000 prayers. Then Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem where one prayer equals 500 prayers.

This hierarchy reflects the spiritual significance of these three mosques specifically mentioned in authentic traditions as destinations for religious journeying.

Juridical Rulings

The multiplication applies only to complete prayers performed within these mosques. Scholars differ whether it includes the entire mosque complex or only the original prayer hall.

This virtue does not replace the obligation of praying in one's local mosque for congregational prayers. It specifically addresses the additional reward for those who visit these sacred sites.

Spiritual Significance

The extraordinary reward demonstrates Allah's mercy in elevating acts of worship performed in places connected to prophethood. It encourages Muslims to visit these holy sites and connect with Islamic history.

This multiplication serves as divine encouragement to maintain the sanctity of these mosques and frequent them for spiritual growth and connection to the Prophet's legacy.