Transliteration:( Innamaa ya'muru masaa jidal laahi man aamana billaahi wal Yawmil Aakhiri wa aqaamas Salaata wa aataz Zakaata wa lam yakhshaa illal laaha fa'asaaa ulaaa'ika ai yakoonoo minal muhtadeen )
Only they shall inhabit [39] the mosques of Allah, who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and who establish prayer and pay the poor-due and fear none but Allah. So these are the people who are among the guided ones [40].
By “inhabit the mosques” is meant participation in their construction, cleanliness, illumination, flooring, and beautification.
From this emerge two core rulings:
Construction and upkeep of mosques is solely the responsibility of Muslims. A mosque built by disbelievers is not valid, as seen in the example of Masjid-e-Diraar, which was condemned.
The desire to establish a mosque reflects true faith, while hatred toward mosques or attempts to destroy them indicates disbelief.
Acts such as:
Reciting the full Qur’an during Taraweeh,
Illuminating mosques during Ramadan,
are considered noble acts of faith and part of ‘imarat-e-masjid’ (inhabiting and honoring mosques).
From Tafseer Roohul Bayaan:
Hazrat Sulaiman (عليه السلام) would illuminate Baitul Muqaddas so brightly that distant women could spin yarn in its light.
Hazrat Dahya Kalbi (RA) used to light up Masjid-e-Nabawi, continuing the tradition of beautifying sacred places.
According to historical accounts:
Hazrat Umar (RA) was the first to replace the gravel flooring of Masjidun Nabawi with top-quality flooring.
Hazrat Uthman (RA) expanded and redesigned the mosque with architectural beauty.
Hazrat Tameem Dari (RA) was the first to place well-lit lamps inside the mosque.
During Hazrat Umar’s (RA) rule, the mosque was brightly illuminated during Taraweeh, and Hazrat Ali (RA) prayed that Allah also illuminate the grave of Umar in return.
From Tafseer Roohul Bayaan:
Hazrat Sulaiman (عليه السلام) lit up Baitul Muqaddas using red sulphur, visible from twelve miles away, and decorated the mosque with gold and silver.
These noble companions and prophets were among the most beloved to Allah, and their efforts in honoring the mosques stand as timeless examples of guidance and devotion.
The tafsir of Surah Taubah verse 18 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Taubah ayat 17 which provides the complete commentary from verse 17 through 18.
(9:18) It only becomes those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish Prayer and pay Zakah and fear none but Allah to visit and tend the mosques of Allah. These are likely to be guided aright.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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