Question:
Asssalamualaikum
Can a traveler sleep at a masjid if the authorities of the masjid have no issues with that?
is it something allowed but not desirable or perfectly fine?
What are the guidelines if I happen to sleepover? Any restrictions
Can I use the fan during the night?
Please let me know.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
1. It is permissible, without any element of dislike, for a traveller to sleep in the Masjid.
2. Guidelines for sleeping in the Masjid:
· Full observance of the etiquette of Masaajid: while in the Masjid, one must avoid noise, laughter, and idle talk, maintain cleanliness, and make the intention of I’tikaaf.
· One should not cause any inconvenience to worshippers. For e.g., at the time of Azaan, he must wake up, and not obstruct the regular activities, prayers, or gatherings of the Masjid.
· When one needs to sleep in the Masjid, he should spread his own cloth or bedding, so that if he experiences nocturnal emission (Ihtilaam), the mats or flooring of the Masjid do not become impure. If such an occurrence takes place, he should leave the mosque promptly, and upon returning after Ghusl, he should immediately clean the area if it has become impure.
3. As for the use of electricity and fans in the Masjid, if there is a designated area for Musaafireen (travellers) or brothers of the Tabligh Jama’at, permissibility is generally understood. However, if no such arrangement exists and one is sleeping in the Masjid area, then it is only permissible to use the fans and electricity if granted permission by the authorities or if such permission is customarily recognized.
Nevertheless, it is better to give an appropriate amount of charity to the Masjid when making use of these facilities.[1]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Azhar Mownah
Student Darul Iftaa
Mauritius
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
