The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 649j

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim teaches us about the continuous state of worship a believer maintains when awaiting prayer in the mosque. The classical scholars explain that one remains in a state of spiritual connection and reward similar to actual prayer while sitting in the mosque with pure intention.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam An-Nawawi states in his Sharh Sahih Muslim that the one waiting for prayer is considered in a state of prayer itself, receiving continuous reward. This applies specifically to remaining in the mosque with the intention of performing congregational prayer.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this demonstrates the virtue of remaining in mosques between prayers, as the angels continue to seek forgiveness for such a person and record good deeds for them.

The condition "nothing prevents him but the prayer" means the only reason for his remaining in the mosque is the anticipation of the next obligatory prayer, not worldly affairs or idle conversation.

Practical Implications

This teaching encourages Muslims to spend time in mosques engaged in remembrance of Allah, reading Quran, or beneficial knowledge while awaiting congregational prayers.

The ruling applies to both men and women, though women are encouraged to pray at home. If women attend the mosque, they receive the same reward for waiting in prayer.

Scholars emphasize that this continuous reward requires maintaining proper mosque etiquette: avoiding worldly talk, business transactions, and anything that violates the sanctity of the mosque.