Question
Is the following virtue of loving the masjid narrated in Al-Mu’jamul-Awsat suitable to quote?
Man alifal masjid alifahullah
Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as you have stated.
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whomsoever loves the Masjid, Allah will love him [by protecting him].”
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 6379)
‘Loving the Masjid’ refers to habitually spending time in the Masjid for Salah, I’tikaf, dhikr, learning and teaching.
(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8524)
‘Allamah ‘Iraqi (rahimahullah) has declared the chain weak.
(Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 403. Also see: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 2 pg. 23)
The Hadith is suitable to quote as a means of encouragement to frequent the Masjid as is the case with Hadiths of this nature.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar