Upon entering the mosque
Tahiyyat al-Masjid prayer
The greeting prayer of the mosque, performed upon entering a masjid
How many rakats is Tahiyyat al-Masjid?
How many rakats is Tahiyyat al-Masjid? 2 nafl. This page lists 2 in the site’s total column, which sums every category in the table.
Rakats breakdown
Sunnah and witr in this table follow one common presentation (Hanafi) where schools differ; obligatory (fardh) rakats are the same across Sunni schools. Minor variations appear in other schools.
Overview
Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting of the mosque) is a 2-rakat prayer performed upon entering a mosque before sitting down. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized this prayer and instructed Muslims to never sit in a mosque without first praying two rakats. Most scholars consider it Sunnah Muakkadah (strongly recommended), while the Shafi'i school considers it highly emphasized.
When it is prayed
Upon entering a mosque, before sitting down
"If any one of you enters the mosque, let him pray two rak'ahs before sitting down."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1167
Read verseKey reminders
- Prayed upon entering a mosque, before sitting down
- Considered Sunnah Muakkadah by most scholars
- Can be combined with other prayers (e.g., Fardh Sunnah) according to some scholars
- Not specific to any time of day
Related pages
- Other prayers
See the rest of the non-daily prayer pages on the site.
Sources
"A man came and sat down in the mosque while the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the Khutbah. He said: 'Have you prayed two rak'ahs?' He said: 'No.' He said: 'Get up and pray two rak'ahs.'"
— Sahih al-Bukhari 931
Read full reference"When any one of you enters the mosque, he should not sit until he has prayed two rak'ahs."
— Sahih Muslim 714
Read full reference