Performing the Salah of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid in the streets leading to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam
Fatwa No: 36300

Question

During Hajj season, some pilgrims may perform the prayers in the streets leading to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam. Should they perform the Salaah of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid in these streets? May Allaah The Almighty Reward you.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The streets and paths of Makkah leading to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam or to any other mosque are not considered parts of the mosques, linguistically or juristically. Therefore, performing the Salah of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (i.e. salutation to the mosque) is not required when praying in the streets and paths leading to the mosques. The Salah of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid is a voluntary prayer that has a specific reason (i.e. entering the mosque). The worshipper who prays in the streets leading to the mosque has not actually entered the mosque and therefore is not in a position to perform the Salah of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid due to the lack of due reason for performing this prayer in the first place. The reason for this prayer is that the occurrence (of entering a Masjid) implies offering the prayer whereas its absence results in not offering it.

Allaah Knows best.

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