Chapter 208 - Inducement to Perform Tahiyyatul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Masjid)

Abu Qatadah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"When anyone of you enters the Masjid, he should perform two Rak`ah (of voluntary prayer) before sitting.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Jabir reported: I came to the Prophet when he was in the Masjid, and he said to me,

"Perform two Rak`ah prayer.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: Both the foregoing Ahadith stress on performing two Rak`ah upon entering the Masjid. According to Imam An-Nawawi's title of the chapter, everyone who comes to the Masjid and performs Fardh Salat or Sunnah Ratibah (compulsory), he will be exempted from performing two Rak`ah. Some `Ulama' are of the opinion that the order in this respect makes it compulsory, and for this reason they held Tahiyyatul-Masjid as Wajib (obligatory), while others think that it is a liked act (i.e., Mandub) and thus comes in the category of Mustahabb (desirable).