Q: At the time of the Prophet people would meet and talk and socialize in the masjid. Some musjids have a sign no talking. I went to (musjid name withheld) and an elderly man tapped me on the shoulder and told me to go outside and talk if it was important.. Is this not a contradiction of the time of the Rasool (SAW). How do we attract people if its all silence JAK
A: You may have taken things personally. You are letting the messenger affect the message. Let us take a step back and review the possible intent of this elderly man.

The Masjid is a sacred place and the responsibilities associated with it should be regarded as equally sacred. It is a place where one should reflect on the divine and engage in acts of worship. As Allah states: The one who has reverence for the signs and symbols of Allah (SWT), it is an indication of the heart’s taqwa (piety). (Paraphrased) (Qur’an 22:32)

In keeping with this, conversations held in the Masjid should be limited to topics that befit a sacred space. Worldly conversations should be reserved for worldly places. For instance, if a Masjid has a social hall or a nearby library, use those spaces for non-religious discussions. It is highly disrespectful to use a sacred space for non-sacred and non-religious purposes.

The Prophet of Islam (SAW) cautioned us about the misuse of the Musjid: There will come a time when people will congregate in Musjids, and their intention will be only for worldly matters. Allah does not need their worship, so do not sit with them. (Tabarani) We are noticing a growing number of people attending events at Masjids and then departing prior to the salah. While leaving is not inherently wrong under valid conditions, it raises concern when someone can spend hours socializing but leaves just before the time for prayer.

Furthermore, if conversations in the Masjid disturb those who are praying or engaged in zikr, then this is not the place for such chatter. In Surah al-Nur, Allah (SWT) emphasizes the sanctity of mosques: [Such niches are] in mosques which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings. (Qur’an 24:36) Ibn Kathir commented on this verse, stating: Allah (SWT) commanded us to honor Musjids by purifying them from any type of dirt and useless things in terms of words and actions. This is the opinion of Abdullah bin Abbas, Ikrimah, al-Dhahak, and numerous other commentary scholars. (See Tafsir al-Quran al-‘Azim, 6/62)

This proves that the Houses of Allah has a specific purpose: to dedicate ourselves to Allah (SWT) in worship, whether by praying, performing zikr, teaching, or learning knowledge. A simple salam (greeting) is not prohibited as long as it is done with either a gesture or a soft voice without extended verbiage disturbances.

Scholars are unanimous in the following opinion: even if a person is engaged in noble acts such as reading the Qur’an or praying, if it is done loudly and disturbs others involved in worship, they should be asked to stop. If good worship behavior has restrictions, how can unrelated chatter be sanctioned?

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Do not take what the elderly man personally, do not let shaytan divide you. Learn, practice and grow!