Ruling on performing Tawaaf around a Masjid seven times after completion of its building

Question: When people in the north of our country build a Masjid (mosque), they perform Tawaaf (circumambulation) seven times around it on the day they inaugurate it. Is this an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion) or not? What is the evidence?

Answer: Performing Tawaaf around a Masjid seven times is an abominable act of Bid`ah, whether this is done on the opening day or any other day. Tawaaf is only lawful when performed around the Ka`bah (in Makkah) and nowhere else… read more here.

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Ruling on rubbing oneself against the walls of Mosques at Al-Rahmah Mountain in `Arafah

Question: In the area of Al-Rahmah Mount in `Arafah there are three adjacent Masjids (mosques) with their Mihrabs without ceilings. The pilgrims go to these Masjids to rub themselves against their walls and Mihrabs. Sometimes, they put money at the Mihrabs. They offer two Rak`ahs at each one of these Masjids. Sometimes they perform Salaah at these Masjids at times when prayer is prohibited. Also men and women mingle in crowds there. The pilgrims do all these acts during the days immediately preceding the ninth day of Thul-Hijjah. We hope that Your Eminence will inform us of the legal ruling on these acts, may Allaah reward you with best reward!

Answer: First, `Arafah is a place where one of the rituals of Hajj is to be performed according to Allaah’s orders. This ritual is staying at `Arafah on the ninth day of Thul-Hijjah and the night of `Eed-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice)… read more here.

Ruling on reciting Qur’aan before the arrival of the Imaam on Friday

Question: Is it permissible for a person to recite Qur’aan in the Masjid (mosque) on Friday before the arrival of the Imaam (the person who leads congregational Salaah)? Is this one of the polite manners of Jumu’ah (Friday) Prayer, or a denounced Bid`ah (innovation in religion)?

Answer: There is no evidence on the legitimacy of a person reciting Qur’aan on Friday before the arrival of the Imaam while people listen to him, and when the Imaam arrives, that person stops recitation… read more here.