The mosque holds a very special place in Islam as a house of worship and a center of spiritual activity for Muslims. It is here that one performs prayer, recites the Quran, engages in remembrance of God, and finds peace from the busyness of worldly life. Because of this function, the atmosphere of the mosque is always maintained to remain calm, focused, and free from activities that could divert attention from its primary purpose as a place of worship.

In modern life, mosques often also serve as comfortable resting spots amid the hustle of daily activities. Many students, workers, and members of the general public make use of their free time in the mosque to rest briefly, clear their minds, or simply sit while browsing their phones. It is in these moments that certain habits — often considered trivial — tend to emerge, such as conducting buying and selling transactions, whether directly or through online shopping applications. These activities are often carried out unconsciously, as technology makes it possible for someone to complete a payment or check out an order within seconds from anywhere, including while inside a mosque.

Although it may seem simple, this matter receives particular attention in Islamic law. Islam does not fundamentally prohibit commercial activity. In fact, trade conducted honestly and fairly is part of muamalah (social and economic dealings) that is encouraged. However, Islam also places every activity in accordance with its appropriate place and context. The mosque is regarded as a space specifically dedicated to worship and spiritual development, and activities too closely tied to worldly affairs are a concern, as they may reduce focus and shift the primary function of the space.

This is affirmed in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), narrated by Imam al-Tirmidhi:

“If you see someone buying or selling in the mosque, then say: ‘May Allah not make your trade profitable.'”

This hadith reflects a fairly firm prohibition against the practice of buying and selling inside mosques. The prohibition is not merely to complicate economic activity, but to preserve the honor and sanctity of the mosque as a place of worship. In another narration reported by Imam Muslim:

“Verily, these mosques were built only for what they were built for — that is, for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and the recitation of the Quran.”

Thus, the spiritual function remains the core that must be upheld.

Within the tradition of Islamic jurisprudence, scholars from various schools of thought offer varying explanations regarding the ruling on transactions inside mosques:

> The Hanafi school views such transactions as makruh (discouraged), meaning they are best avoided.

> The Maliki school takes a more contextual approach, permitting transactions if the goods are not brought into the mosque, while ruling it makruh if the goods are physically present inside.

> The Shafi’i school emphasizes the impact of the activity on the sanctity of the mosque. If the transaction risks disturbing those in worship or disrupting the solemnity of the atmosphere, it may become haram (forbidden); if it does not disturb others, it is considered makruh.

> The Hanbali school takes the strictest position, ruling transactions inside mosques as haram.

These differing views reflect the breadth of Islamic legal perspectives in addressing matters of muamalah. Nevertheless, all positions share a common point: the importance of preserving the mosque’s primary function. In other words, the issue is not only about whether a transaction is legally valid, but also about ethics and conduct in the use of a sacred space.

In the digital age, the nature of transactions has evolved significantly. Buying and selling no longer necessarily involves a direct meeting between buyer and seller. A person can place an order, make a payment, and confirm a transaction all through their phone. This phenomenon raises new questions about the ruling on checking out an online shopping order while inside a mosque. Contemporary studies indicate that the underlying legal principle remains the same. As long as such activity disturbs one’s own focus or that of others, or diverts the mosque’s function from a place of worship to a space for worldly activity, the practice is best avoided.

At this point, the discussion is no longer limited to the form of the transaction, but rather focuses on its impact on the atmosphere of worship. The mosque is a space built to bring inner tranquility and spiritual closeness. When someone is busy browsing products, checking promotions, or completing payments inside it, their mental focus can shift from worship to worldly affairs. This shift is the primary basis for the prohibition found in the hadith and the views of Islamic scholars.

That said, it is also important to understand the context of space. Several jurisprudential discussions note that areas such as the mosque’s courtyard and porch are not always categorized as part of the core prayer space. Therefore, activities conducted in those areas are viewed more leniently, as long as order is maintained and worshippers are not disturbed. This understanding shows that Islam allows for adaptation to the times without abandoning its foundational principles.

Ultimately, the prohibition on conducting transactions inside the mosque is not merely a matter of formal law, but also one of ethical awareness in respecting a sacred place. Observing proper conduct within the mosque is a form of respect for the spiritual values embedded in that space. In a life that is fast-paced and digitally connected, this awareness becomes ever more important — so that the mosque remains a place to return to for peace of heart, deeper self-reflection, and drawing closer to Allah.

– Written by Naflah –

References

Akbar, M. S. (2024). The legality of online transactions in mosques an Islamic law perspective based on Al Jaziri’s Al Fiqh ‘ala al Mazahib al Arba’ah. Profit Jurnal Kajian Ekonomi dan Perbankan Syariah, 8(2), 27–39.

Wulandari, W. (2019). Jual beli di masjid perspektif hukum Islam (Skripsi, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Purwokerto).

Artikel fiqh. (2024). Hukum transaksi jual beli di masjid. Asy Syariah. https://www.asy-syariah.com