Tahiyatul Masjid is a special voluntary (nafl) prayer performed upon entering a mosque, serving as a respectful greeting to the house of Allah. It reflects the importance of etiquette, reverence, and mindfulness in places of worship. Supported by authentic hadiths, this prayer encourages Muslims to start their mosque visit with worship, earning reward and spiritual merit before engaging in other activities.
What Is Tahiyatul Masjid?
Tahiyatul Masjid is a voluntary prayer offered upon entering a mosque to show respect and greet the house of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When any one of you enters the mosque, let him pray two rak‘ahs before sitting.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 450; Sahih Muslim, 402)
This prayer emphasizes etiquette, reverence, and mindfulness in the mosque, encouraging Muslims to begin their visit with worship rather than immediately sitting or socializing.
Ruling of Tahiyyat al-Masjid in hadiths
Tahiyyat al-Masjid is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended Sunnah), not obligatory.
- An-Nawawi said:
“The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to greet the mosque, and it is makruh to sit down without greeting it with no excuse, because of the hadith of Abu Qatadah which clearly states that that is not allowed.”
(Al-Majmu‘, 3/544)
- Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar explained:
“The scholars unanimously agreed that the command in this case is a recommendation (as opposed to an obligation). Ibn Battal narrated from the literalists that it is obligatory, but Ibn Hazm stated that it is not obligatory.”
(Fath al-Bari, 1/538-539; see also al-Muhalla, 2/7)
- Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah states:
“The Sunnah for the one who enters the mosque at any time is to pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid, because of the general meaning of the words of the Prophet ﷺ: ‘When one of you enters the mosque, let him not sit down until he has prayed two rak‘ahs.’ Sahih – agreed upon.”
(7/137)
- Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
“The view that Tahiyyat al-Masjid is obligatory is a strong view, but the more likely to be correct is the view that it is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah). And Allah knows best.”
(Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 14/354)
How to Perform Tahiyyat al-Masjid
- Enter with the right foot and say the Sunnah supplication for entering the mosque.
- Pray two rak‘ahs immediately, before sitting or greeting anyone.
- Maintain proper focus, posture, and tranquility during ruku‘ and sujood.
The purpose is to prioritize the right of Allah over greeting people, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Timing of Tahiyyat al-Masjid
Tahiyyat al-Masjid can be prayed any time you enter the mosque, even during generally prohibited times for nafl prayers (after Fajr until sunrise and after ‘Asr until Maghrib), because it is linked to a specific reason: entering the mosque.
Method of Tahiyyat al-Masjid Namaz
Tahiyyat al-Masjid is a voluntary prayer performed when entering a mosque to greet it. It consists of two rak‘ahs. Here’s the proper method:
Step 1: Enter the Mosque Properly
- Enter with your right foot first.
- Recite the Sunnah supplication for entering the mosque:
“Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik” (O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy).
Step 2: Make Intention (Niyyah)
- Form the niyyah in your heart:
“I intend to pray two rak‘ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid for the pleasure of Allah.”
Step 3: Perform Two Rak‘ahs
- First Rak‘ah:
- Start with Takbiratul Ihram (“Allahu Akbar”).
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a short surah (like Al-Ikhlas).
- Perform Ruku‘ and Sujood properly.
- Start with Takbiratul Ihram (“Allahu Akbar”).
- Second Rak‘ah:
- Repeat the same steps as the first rak‘ah.
- Sit for Tashahhud at the end and finish with Salam to both sides.
- Repeat the same steps as the first rak‘ah.
Step 4: After Completing the Prayer
- Now you may sit, greet others, or attend lessons.
- Remember, this prayer should be offered immediately after entering, before greeting anyone.
Step 5: Special Notes
- If the Adhaan is being called, respond to it first, then pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid.
- If the congregational prayer has started, join Jama’ah; Tahiyyat al-Masjid is waived.
- In Masjid al-Haraam, pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid if entering for prayer or lessons. If entering for Tawaaf, perform post-Tawaaf prayer instead.
Tahiyatul Masjid vs Other Sunnah Prayers
When entering the mosque, a common question arises: Should you pray Tahiyatul Masjid or the regular Sunnah prayer of Fajr?
- Tahiyatul Masjid is specifically offered immediately upon entering the mosque as a greeting to it.
- Regular Sunnah prayers, like the Fajr Sunnah (2 rak‘ahs before Fajr), have their own set time and intention.
Guidance on priority:
- If you enter the mosque before Fajr, it is recommended to pray Tahiyatul Masjid first, then the Sunnah of Fajr separately.
- If time is short, you may combine the intention of Tahiyatul Masjid with the Fajr Sunnah, but praying them separately is better for maximum reward.
This ensures both respect for the mosque and fulfillment of Sunnat namaz at their appointed times.
NOTES: I have written this entire article with great effort, and I myself (Ghausul Azam) follow its principles.
Conclusion
Tahiyatul Masjid is a blessed voluntary prayer that reflects respect, mindfulness, and devotion when entering a mosque. Performing it immediately upon entry follows the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, earns great reward, and strengthens your spiritual connection with Allah.
✅ Encouragement: Make it a habit to pray two rak‘ahs of Tahiyatul Masjid every time you enter any mosque, even before greeting others or sitting down.
Call to Action: Start implementing this Sunnah today, and share this guidance with family and friends to spread the reward and etiquette of the mosque!
FAQs: Tahiyatul Masjid namaz
Q1: What is Tahiyatul Namaz?
Tahiyatul Namaz is the sitting part of the prayer where you recite the Tashahhud to greet Allah and send salutations on the Prophet ﷺ.
Q2: How to make niyyah for Tahiyatul Masjid?
Mentally intend: “I intend to pray two rak‘ahs of Tahiyatul Masjid for Allah’s pleasure.”
Q3: How many rak‘ahs is the Tahiyatul Masjid?
It consists of two rak‘ahs.
Q4: Is Tahiyatul Masjid nafl?
Yes, it is a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah), not obligatory.
Q5: Is it compulsory to pray at the Tahiyatul Masjid?
No, it is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended.
Q6: What are the 4 types of mosques?
- Masjid Jami’ – Congregational mosque for Friday prayers
- Masjid Sahih / Local mosque – Regular daily prayers
- Musalla / Prayer room – Temporary prayer place
- Masjid al-Haraam – Grand mosque in Makkah
Q7: Should I pray Sunnah or Tahiyatul Masjid?
- Upon entering the mosque, Tahiyatul Masjid comes first.
- If short on time, you may combine intentions, but praying separately is better.
Q8: Is ghusl valid without niyat?
No, ghusl requires niyyah (intention) to be valid.
Q9: Is Tahiyat a mandatory part of Salat?
Yes, Tashahhud (Tahiyat) is a mandatory part of every prayer.
Q10: Is it okay if I only pray Fard?
Yes, the Fard is obligatory and sufficient for the validity of your prayer, but Sunnah and Nafl bring extra reward.
Q11: How to offer Tahiyatul Wudu?
- Pray 2 rak‘ahs immediately after Wudu, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah + a short surah in each rak‘ah.
Q12: Can I combine Tahiyatul Masjid with Sunnah?
Yes, if short on time, you can intentionally combine them, but praying separately is more rewarding.
Q13: Do you need Wudu for Tahajjud?
Yes, Wudu is required before offering Tahajjud prayer.
Q14: How to recite Tahiyat?
Recite the Tashahhud while sitting:
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi…” and send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
Q15: How many Rakats are in Tahiyatul Wudu?
Tahiyatul Wudu is 2 rak‘ahs.
Q16: Should you pray Tahajjud in 2-2-2-2?
Yes, you can pray Tahajjud in sets of 2 rak‘ahs each, repeating as many as you wish.
Q17: Is it mandatory to pray at the Tahiyatul Masjid?
No, it is Sunnah Mu’akkadah, not obligatory.
Q18: What are the prohibited times for Tahiyyatul-Masjid?
Generally, nawafil are prohibited after Fajr until sunrise and after Asr until Maghrib.
- Tahiyyatul Masjid is allowed during these times due to its specific reason: entering the mosque.