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