Salat al-Tahiyyat is one of the recommended (Mustahab) prayers that is performed as a gesture of respect upon entering certain mosques. Stay with Saed News for more information.
What Is the Salat al-Tahiyyat (Greeting Prayer)?
Regarding the rights of a mosque, there are hadiths in Islamic texts, including those recommending the performance of a two-unit (rak'ah) prayer called Salat al-Tahiyyat (Greeting Prayer of the Mosque). This is a recommended (Mustahab) prayer that is offered out of respect for the mosque. It is recommended that upon entering any mosque, before sitting down, one should perform a two-rak'ah Salat al-Tahiyyat.
This prayer does not have a specific format; after reciting Surah Al-Hamd (Al-Fatiha), the worshiper may recite any surah, and even reciting only Surah Al-Hamd is sufficient. Additionally, if a person performs another recommended or obligatory prayer upon entering the mosque, there is no need to perform Salat al-Tahiyyat separately. For example, performing a two-rak'ah obligatory prayer (like the Fajr prayer) would also count as Salat al-Tahiyyat.
Based on narrations regarding the sanctity and respect of mosques, if someone enters a mosque and does not perform any prayer—neither obligatory nor recommended—that mosque will hold them accountable and complain to God on the Day of Judgment.
How to Perform Salat al-Tahiyyat
Salat al-Tahiyyat consists of two rak'ahs and has no specific format. Performing it removes the undesirability (makruh) of simply passing through a mosque. According to Shia jurists, using a mosque merely as a passageway is discouraged. (Majma' al-Rasa'il, p. 420; al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, vol. 1, p. 431)
To perform this prayer, pray two rak'ahs like the Fajr prayer with the intention of greeting and showing respect to the mosque. It does not require the call to prayer (adhan or iqama) and may be recited either silently or aloud. The philosophy behind this prayer is to honor and respect the mosque.
Recommendation of Salat al-Tahiyyat
It is recommended to perform Salat al-Tahiyyat upon entering any mosque and before sitting down. However, performing any other obligatory or recommended prayer suffices in place of this one. (al-‘Urwah al-Wuthqa, 1422 AH, vol. 1, p. 431)
Shahid Thani (The Second Martyr) in his book Minyat al-Murid mentioned in the etiquette of a teacher attending a class that if the class is held in a mosque, it is recommended for the teacher to first perform Salat al-Tahiyyat before beginning the lesson. (Minyat al-Murid, 1415 AH, p. 205)
Salat al-Tahiyyat at Jamkaran Mosque
Jamkaran Mosque, located near the holy city of Qom, was built by the order of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) and is known for its spiritual significance and blessings. Mirza Hussein Nouri, a prominent Shia scholar, mentioned a specific Salat al-Tahiyyat for Jamkaran Mosque in his book Najm al-Thaqib.
This prayer consists of two rak'ahs. In each rak'ah, after Surah Al-Hamd, Surah Al-Tawhid is recited seven times. The phrase of bowing (ruku‘) is also recited seven times: Subhana Rabbiyal Azim wa bihamdih, and in prostration (sujud), the phrase Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la wa bihamdih is recited seven times as well.
Salat al-Tahiyyat in Sunni Practice
Maintaining the sanctity of mosques is obligatory in all circumstances. A mosque is a place of worship for all Muslims, and differences in sect or prayer format do not negate this shared value. Therefore, it is recommended to perform Salat al-Tahiyyat in all mosques upon entering, regardless of one’s denomination.
What Is the Substitute for Salat al-Tahiyyat in Masjid al-Haram?
According to the fatwas of most religious scholars, Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque in Mecca) does not require Salat al-Tahiyyat. Instead, its greeting is performed by Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba). As Shahid Thani explains in al-Rawdah al-Bahiyyah, just as greeting other mosques is done through prayer, greeting Masjid al-Haram is done through Tawaf.
What Is Meant by Salat al-Tahiyyat?
The purpose of Salat al-Tahiyyat is to avoid dishonoring the mosque by sitting without praying. Therefore, if someone enters a mosque with the intention of performing any prayer—whether obligatory or recommended—and starts it before sitting down, that prayer will also count as Salat al-Tahiyyat. However, performing a separate and specific prayer for this purpose is considered more virtuous.
