How mosques can facilitate intellectual and social development

Mosques are the houses of Allah on the earth. Declaring mosques as His (SWT) house, Allah Himself said in the Quran, And (Allah revealed) that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone." (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:18). The Messenger of Allah mentioned mosques as the most beloved place on earth. He (PBUH) said, ‘The parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques’ (Sahih Muslim: 671). The mosque is not only a place for congregational prayers; rather, it is historically described in the Hadith as a vibrant epicentre for religious education, culture, and the social centre of the Islamic community. This multi-dimensional role is beautifully illustrated in a narration by Abu Hurairah (RA), who said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say, 'Whoever comes to this mosque of mine and only comes for a good purpose, such as to learn or to teach, his status is like that of one who fights in Jihad in the cause of Allah. Whoever comes for any other purpose, his status is that of a man who is keeping an eye on other people's property.'" 
A mosque was a place of worship. Besides that, it was also used as a space where intellectual discourses flourished, crucial social welfare initiatives were mobilised, and community justice was dispensed during the golden age of Islam. The first step in this spiritual and intellectual renaissance begins at dawn. The traditional 'Sabahi Maktab' (morning school) requires a modern revival. Although acquiring higher knowledge of religion is not mandatory for every Muslim, acquiring the fundamental knowledge of Deen (religion) is an absolute obligation for every Muslim. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Learn the things which are made obligatory and the Qur’an, and teach them to people, for I shall die" (Mishkat al-Masabih: 244).  So, it is a solemn responsibility for every mosque committee and the authorities to establish Sabahi Maktab within the mosques for children’s basic Islamic education. This learning centre (Maktab) must include arrangements for teaching Islamic Aqeedah (creed), the pure (Saheeh) recitation of the Qur'an, Salah (prayer), and the practical Islamic guidelines necessary for daily life. The Maktab is the foundational heritage of the Muslim community. Indeed, the mosque-based Maktab should be institutionalised as the first cradle of learning for the children of Muslims.
It is essential to arrange Fard al-Ayn and Quran learning classes for school and college-going students in every mosque. This programme should offer a sophisticated understanding of fundamental Islamic knowledge and Saheeh (pure) Quranic recitation. Special classes, similar to a traditional Maktab, can be arranged for them after school. As children and teenagers start frequenting the mosque regularly, the mosque will become vibrant, and they will also be protected from going astray.
Although the best place for women to pray is the innermost or private corner of their homes, Islam has kept the doors of the mosques open for them. Abdullah Ibn Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, 'Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque, but their houses are better for them (for praying)' (Sunan Abu Dawood: 567).  Particularly, Prophet (PBUH) kept the mosques unrestricted for women to offer their prayers, and he used to make special arrangements for their Islamic education and learning. Abu Sayeed Al-Khudri (RA) narrated that some women requested the Prophet (PBUH) to fix a day for them, as the men were taking all his time. On that, he promised them one day for religious lessons and commandments... (Sahih Bukhari: 101). It is absolutely necessary for our mosques to provide religious education arrangements for women while strictly adhering to Islamic guidelines (Shariah) and the rules of hijab (privacy).
We find in many Hadith that the Mosque of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) was largely a learning centre for adults. Many of the blessed companions of our beloved Prophet would stay in the mosque to learn Islam practically. Abu Hurairah (Ra) said, 'You people say that Abu Huraira tells many narrations from Allah's Messenger (PBUH)...' I was one of the poor men of Suffa. I used to remember the narrations when they used to forget ... (Sahih Bukhari: 2047). 
Every mosque needs to provide year-round arrangements for correct Quranic recitation and fundamental religious education tailored for professionals and adults. For them, the system should first prioritise teaching the essential supplications (Duas) and Surahs required for prayer (Salah). At an advanced level, classes should be offered for correct Quranic recitation and understanding the Quran.

The writer is an M.Phil researcher, Kahtib of Baitus Shafiq Mosque and Principal of Baitul Hikmah Academy, Gazipur