لَا تَقُمْ فِيهِ أَبَدًا ۚ لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ ۚ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُوا۟ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُطَّهِّرِينَ 108
Translations
Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allāh loves those who purify themselves.
Transliteration
Lā taqum fīhi abadan; lamasjidun ussisa alā al-taqwā min awwali yawmin ahaqqu an taqūma fīh; fīhi rijālun yuḥibbūna an yataṭahhharū; wa-Allāhu yuḥibbu al-muṭṭahhirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Mosque of Qubā (the first mosque built in Islam) and forbids the Prophet from praying in a rival mosque built on hypocrisy (Masjid al-Ḍirār). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurṭubī explain that a mosque founded on taqwā (God-consciousness) from its inception is superior to one built with ulterior motives. The ayah emphasizes that the righteous men in Masjid Qubā love purification, reflecting both spiritual and physical cleanliness, which are beloved to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed during the 9th year of Hijra when the Prophet returned from the Tabūk expedition. The hypocrites had built Masjid al-Ḍirār (the Mosque of Harm) to split the Muslim community and rival Masjid Qubā. The Prophet was instructed not to pray there, highlighting the importance of intention (niyyah) in all actions, especially in worship.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The best of mosques is Masjid al-Ḥarām, and the worst of mosques is Masjid al-Ḍirār' (recorded in various hadith collections). Also relevant: 'Cleanliness is half of faith' (Muslim 223), emphasizing the connection between physical and spiritual purification.
Themes
Key Lesson
True worship is built on sincere intention and God-consciousness rather than outward appearances or numbers; Muslims should seek to purify both their hearts and bodies, recognizing that Allah values the righteous action done with genuine devotion over mere formalism.