1. The definition of a mosque

 

The word "masjid" (مَسْجِد) appears 28 times in the Quran. It comes from the root "سجد" (s-j-d), which means to submit, or to humble oneself. The essence of a masjid is not found in its walls, domes, or decorations, but in the act of submission that takes place within it.

 

The Quran makes it crystal clear:

 

"The mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone." (72:18)

 

A mosque is not meant to glorify a sect, a leader, or even the Prophet himself. It is solely for Allah. Yet, many mosques today carry names such as Imam Ali Mosque, Al-Hussein Mosque, Al-Sayyida Zainab Mosque, or Masjid an-Nabawi—titles that shift focus away from Allah and toward individuals.

 

Can a mosque truly be “for Allah alone” if its very name directs reverence to someone else?

 

2. The prophet’s role: Not an object of worship

 

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that messengers were sent only to deliver the message—not to be venerated.

 

"It is not for a man whom Allah has given the Scripture, wisdom, and prophethood to say to the people, 'Be my worshipers rather than Allah’s.' Rather, [he would say], 'Be devoted to the worship of your Lord, in accordance with what you have been taught from the Book and what you have studied.'" (3:79)

 

Absolutely, to God is the true system(Deen]. And those who set up allies besides Him: “We only serve them so that they may bring us closer to God.” God will judge between them in what they dispute. For God does not guide him who is a liar, a rejecter. (39:3)

 

 

Despite this, in many mosques, we find the name of Prophet Muhammad displayed next to or even above the name of Allah. In some places, people are encouraged to call upon him for intercession. 

 

If mosques are meant for Allah alone, should the focus ever be on anyone else?

 

Is Allah not sufficient for His servant? 39:36

 

3. Extravagance in mosque construction

 

Mosques were never meant to be symbols of wealth and grandeur.  Yet, today, some mosques cost millions—or even billions—to build.

 

Consider These Examples:

 

• The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq – 7,777 gold tiles on its dome, 40,000 gold tiles on its minarets.
• The Grand Mosque of Algiers, Algeria – Cost $2 billion, the third-largest mosque in the world.
• The Cologne Central Mosque, Germany – Cost over €30 million to construct.
• The Hassan II Mosque, Morocco – Features a 210-meter-tall minaret, costing over $400 million.

 

"O children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but do not be extravagant. Surely, He does not like those who commit excess." (7:31)

 

If Allah warns against extravagance, can such lavish displays truly be in line with His guidance?

 

 

O you who believe, many of the Priests and Monks consume the money of the people in falsehood, and they repel from the path of God. And those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend it in the cause of God, give them news of a painful retribution. (9:34)

4. When mosques become a source of division

 

Not all mosques serve the same purpose. The Quran warns against mosques that cause division among believers:

 

"There are also those who set up a mosque ˹only˺ to cause harm, promote disbelief, divide the believers, and as a base for those who had previously fought against Allah and His Messenger. They will definitely swear, 'We intended nothing but good,' but Allah bears witness that they are surely liars.

Do not stand in it ever. A temple that is founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy that you stand in it; in it are men who love to purify themselves. And God loves the purified.(9:107-8)

 

Today, mosques are often segregated by sect:

 

1. Sunni mosques
2. Shia mosques
3. Sufi mosques
4. Salafi mosques

 

Some even restrict entry to those who do not follow their specific ideology. But should a house of Allah ever be a place of division?

 

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (3:103)

 

If Allah commands unity, why do so many mosques promote sectarianism?

 

 

5. The true purpose of a mosque according to the quran

 

What should a mosque be? The Quran gives a beautiful description:

 

In houses that God has permitted to be raised, and His name mentioned in them. He is glorified therein in the mornings and the evenings. By men not distracted by trade or sale from the remembrance of God and holding the Connection, and contributing towards purification. They fear a Day when the hearts and sight will be overturned.(24:36-37)

 

A true mosque should be:

 

✔ Dedicated solely to the worship of Allah

✔ Free from names, images, or reverence for anyone besides Allah

✔ A place of unity, not division

✔ A center for purification and righteousness

 

This is not about rejecting mosques but about ensuring they follow the Quran’s principles. If a mosque does not align with Allah’s guidance, can it still be called a house of worship?

 

Are we following the Quran’s vision?

The Quran calls for deep reflection:

 

 "Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?" (47:24)

 

Are our mosques still truly for Allah alone? Or have they been altered by human influence, extravagance, and division?

 

Each believer must ask:

 

❓ Is my mosque aligning with the Quran’s teachings, or has it deviated from the path of pure monotheism?

❓ When I enter a mosque, do I see pure devotion to Allah—or signs of sectarianism, idolatry, and excess?

 

 

If we truly follow the Quran, then our mosques must embody its teachings—centers of worship where Allah alone is mentioned, without partners, intermediaries, or divisions.

 

So the next time you enter a mosque, ask yourself: Is this truly for Allah alone?