The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 671

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.

Textual Analysis

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes a fundamental hierarchy in the spiritual valuation of spaces. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) declares mosques as the most beloved places to Allah, while markets represent the most detested.

The Arabic term "masajid" (mosques) refers to places specifically designated for the worship of Allah, particularly the five daily prayers, Quranic recitation, and remembrance of Allah. The word "aswaq" (markets) denotes places of commercial transaction and worldly pursuits.

Spiritual Significance of Mosques

Mosques are beloved to Allah because they are houses dedicated solely to His worship and remembrance. They are sanctuaries where hearts turn to their Lord, souls find tranquility, and believers unite in obedience.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized that when a person purifies themselves and goes to the mosque solely for prayer, with every step they take, Allah elevates their rank and forgives their sins. This demonstrates the immense spiritual merit of these sacred spaces.

Nature of Markets

Markets are described as hateful to Allah not because commerce is inherently evil - indeed, lawful trade is permitted - but because they are often centers of distraction from remembrance of Allah. They are places where deception, usury, false oaths, and neglect of prayer commonly occur.

The scholars explain that the market's designation as "most hateful" serves as a warning against excessive attachment to worldly pursuits and neglect of spiritual obligations that often characterize such environments.

Practical Implications

This hadith teaches Muslims to frequent mosques and maximize their time in these blessed spaces. It encourages attending congregational prayers, engaging in Quranic study circles, and making the mosque a center of spiritual life.

Conversely, it warns against unnecessary lingering in markets and becoming absorbed in worldly pursuits to the detriment of one's spiritual development. When in markets, Muslims should maintain remembrance of Allah and fulfill their religious obligations promptly.

Conclusion

This profound teaching guides believers in prioritizing their time and attachment between spaces of worship and spaces of worldly engagement. It reminds us that while worldly pursuits have their proper place, the ultimate purpose of our creation is to worship Allah, and mosques serve as the primary venues for fulfilling this sacred purpose.

May Allah make us among those who frequent His houses of worship and grant us success in balancing our worldly needs with our spiritual obligations. Ameen.