Worldly gossiping in the Masjid

 

Many people gathering in the Masjid indulge in worldly gossiping. Please comment upon this practice.  What is the commination (Wa’eed) for this?

It is dangerous to indulge in worldly talk inside the masjid about which the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) had prophesied more than 1300 years ago. That a time would come when people would indulge in gossiping in the masjid and had warned not to sit with people, as Allah had no use for such men.

(Mishkat, vol. i, p. 71).

The Holy Prophet (Peace b upon him) has said that gossiping about worldly matters eats up good deeds even as fire eats up fuel. One hadeeth states that when someone begins talking about worldly affairs in the mosque, the angels say to him:

“O friend of Allah! Be quiet!” and if he talks again, they say: “Oh enemy of Allah! Be quiet!” and if he again starts talking, they say: “Allah’s curse be upon you! Hold your tongue!”

(KM., vol.ii, p. 55).

If one does not sit in the Masjid with the aim of talking but incidentally he talks about some necessary worldly matters in a low tone, there is no harm though it is better to avoid talking.

(Fatawa Rahimiyah, Vol, ii, p.138, Q.226)