Playing Table Tennis in the Masjid lobby

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1424, 26 May 2003


Q.) In our masjid people have put a table tennis table and people play it after the Salat. This table is put in the lobby area which is used as an entrance and, to keep the shoes on the shoe-racks which are lined up against the side walls. There are doors to enter this lobby area from the outside and there are doors from this lobby area to enter the prayer area. Is it alright to have a table tennis table there and play after the Salat?

A.) Sayyidna Abu Hurayra, Radi-Allahu anhu, narrates that Rasulullah Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, 'The most beloved places to Allah Ta'ala are the Masaajid.' (Mishkaat pg.68)

The Masjid is a place of devotion, worship and sanctity. Although the place mentioned may not be in the proper Masjid itself, but it does have very close proximity, hence, one should definitely refrain from engaging in such futile activities and games in such areas.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best