Upon Entering the House of Allah | The Dua for Entering the Masjid
Alhamdulillah, all deep gratitude and praise are due to Allah, our Cherisher, the One who blessed us with Islam, a faith that teaches transcendental wisdom and attaches profound spirituality to our everyday activities. Every time we step into Masjid — the house of Allah — we are ushered into an arena of serenity, reflection, and direct communication with our Creator. In this sanctified spot, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala beckons us to take comfort and ease in His divine presence.
Before we enter the Masjid, it’s highly encouraged to invoke Allah through a specific dua (supplication), as taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This humble act fervently underlines our love for Allah, recalling His magnanimity and reaffirming our modest status in His divine presence.
The dua that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to recite when entering the Masjid is:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
“Transliteration”: Bismillahi, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala rasulillah. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatika.
“Translation”: In the Name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy1.
Through this simple yet profound dua, we ask Allah to open for us the doors of His mercy. It steeps us into the heartfelt reality that our every action and intention is dependent on Allah’s mercy.
Dua for Entering the Masjid | Reminding Ourselves of Allah’s Infinite Mercy
Further contemplating on the dua, it’s noteworthy that we offer salutations (peace and blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adoringly acknowledging his favoured status with Allah. This serves as a way to strengthen our relationship with the Prophet, recognizing him as our spiritual guide in life.
It’s never just about entering the Masjid and starting our Salah (prayer) right away. This dua for entering the Masjid is a loving gesture of submission and sanctity, akin to lifting a spiritual veil that reminds us we are stepping into a hallowed space of divine presence.
May Allah embed in our hearts the significance of this dua — a humble plea for His mercy — and enable us to bring it to mind when entering any Masjid. Let this dua be like a divine key, opening dimensions of divine mercy while we stand in silence, on the sacred ground of prayer, in the presence of Allah. Ameen!
Dua for Entering the Masjid | Rewards associated with praying in the mosque
- Increased Reward: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A prayer in congregation is twenty-five times more superior (in reward) to a prayer offered alone in one’s house or in a business center…”[ref].
- Reward for Every Step: The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us that every step taken to the mosque is rewarded. “Whoever purifies in his house then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it will have the reward like that of ‘Umrah”[ref].
- Elevation of Rank in Paradise: Each time you go to the mosque, you are granted a higher rank in paradise. As per the Prophet’s saying (peace be upon him), “Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning or evening, Allah prepares for him a feast in Paradise every time he goes in the morning or evening”[ref].
- Congregational Prayers: The Quran urges believers towards congregational prayers, especially for Jumu’ah (Friday prayers). “O you who believe! When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave aside business. That is better for you if you but knew!” (62:9) The act of attending congregational prayers in the mosque fosters brotherhood, unity, and mutual understanding among the community members[ref].
- Amplified Rewards in Certain Mosques: Praying in Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem offer greater rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned, “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram, and one prayer in Masjid al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.”[ref]
Let us adhere closely to these illuminating teachings of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), recognize their value, and instill in ourselves the habit of praying at the mosque. The benefits are immense, not only in terms of spiritual enhancement but also in reaping unparalleled heavenly rewards.
May Allah allow us to be steadfast in our prayers, to benefit from the bounty of congregational prayers in the mosque, and to relish the blessings hidden in every step towards His Holy House. Ameen.
- Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 645
- Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1412
- Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 662
- Quran 62:9
- Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1406