Reciting Bismillahi Wassalatu Wassalamu ‘Ala Rasulillah when entering the Masjid

Yes it is proven, based on the following Hadith:

Sayyidah Fatimah (radiyallahu ‘anha) has narrated:

“When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would enter the masjid, he would recite/send salawat and salam upon Muhammad [i.e himself – sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam] and say: ‘Rabbighfirli Dhunubi Waftah Li Abwaba Rahmatik [O my Rabb, forgive me of my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy].’

And when he would leave, he would recite/send salawat and salam upon Muhammad [i.e. himself – sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam] and say: Rabbighfirli Dhunubi Waftah Li Abwaba Fadhlik [O my Rabb, forgive me of my sins and open for me the doors of Your grace].

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 314)

In the version recorded by Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahullah), the wording is:

“When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would enter the masjid, he would say: ‘Bismillahi Wassalamu ‘Ala Rasulillah, Allahummaghfirli Dhunubi Waftah Li Abwaba Rahmatik.’

And when he would leave, he would say: ‘Bismillahi Wassalamu ‘Ala Rasulillah, Allahummaghfirli Dhunubi Waftah Li Abwaba Fadhlik.’

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 771; Also see: Musnad Ahmad, vol. 6 pg. 283, ‘Amalul Yawmi Wal Laylah of Ibnus Sunni, Hadith: 86-89; Al Adhkar, Chapter: 20, from before Hadith: 86 onwards, Al-Liwa-ul Mu’allam, pg. 90 onwards, Al-Qawlul Badi’ pgs. 379-383, Fathul Ilah, Hadith: 731, Mirqat, Hadith: 731, and Al-Futhuhatur Rabbaniyyah, vol. 2 pgs. 46, 48-49)

The wording of the recital in your question was seemingly formulated based on the above variations of this Hadith reported by Sayyidah Fatimah (radiyallahu ‘anha).

Also see here and here.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar