Social Role of Mosque in Islam

Author: Muhammad Abbas Shad,

Islam is a religion that discusses an individual and society at

the same time. This creates a profound relationship between
religion and society. Without society, religion converts into a
hypothetical philosophy, while without religion; society is
unable to develop a system of sustainable welfare and
progress for human beings. Hence, Islam introduces the
concept of institutional development for social
advancement. Mosque holds a central place among the
institutions developed by Islam. It is an extremely effective
organ to establish a link between an individual and society
and also for the rectification and reformation of society.
Quran states: First holy place for the rectification and
guidance of people is established in Makkah. Objective of
this place is improvement and progress of whole
mankind.(Surah e AAL-E-IMRAN).
Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: It is
compulsory for you to maintain your relation with collectivism
(instead of individualism), masses (common people) and
mosque. (Masnad Ahmed). Institution of mosques for an
Islamic society was initiated at Quba and then extended at
Madinah. Later on, it became the biggest and the most
organized network of the world. Islam gives prime importance
to discipline and rule of law in human society. These attributes
can only flourish in the presence of a central place.
Through the institution of mosques, Islam develops
centralization in the society. It invites its believers toward unity
by stating: Tightly hold the rope of Allah (Quran and Sunnah)
and do not indulge in sectarianism and division. (Surah e
Aal-e-Imran). If you are divided due to conflict then You will
become coward and your reputation and confidence will be
shattered. (Surah e AlAnfaal). Thus, in order to keep harmony
in the society, mosque enjoys the status of a central social
institution. Historical role of Masjid-e-Nabvi in this context

guides us that mosque became the religious, educational,

military and cultural centre of Muslims. Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be Upon Him) and his team of companions preferred
the sacred environment of mosque to perform numerous
activities pertaining to human life. These activities included
organizational structuring to confront the prevailing
exploitative system, performing daily prayers collectively,
consultation on important affairs, oath taking to follow the
rules of Allah, preparation of Jihad,accommodation of poor
and weak people of society, meetings and agreements with
different delegations, judicial decisions, planning of welfare
projects, distribution of funds, acquiring of management skills
and adaptation of organizational discipline, spiritual
practices, insightful sermons and a struggle to establish justice
and fairness in the society. In short, during the early era of
Islam, mosque played the role of parliament, university,
military camp, court of justice, medical facility, centre of
preaching and publication and institution of social welfare
simultaneously.
If we observe the condition and functionality of mosques
nowadays, we come across the ironic reality that mosque
which used to hold a primitive place in the overall social
system of Muslims has become a hostage to sectarian
conflicts. On the collective level, we have neglected the true
role of mosques which is to instill peace and harmony among
human beings living in a society. Today, there is a dire need
to restore the comprehensive role of mosques in our society.In
every department of social life, there is a tough criterion for
the appointment of administrators. Similarly, the merit and
criterion to appoint mosque management committee,
teachers, Imams and speakers should be revised and these
appointments must be according to the noble role of a
mosque in Muslim society