[Q 524] Entering the Masjid While Intoxicated

QUESTION:

What is the ruling for an intoxicated person entering the masjid?

ANSWER:

Entering the Masjid (mosque) in a state of Nasha (intoxication) is prohibited. This is because generally, in such a state, an unpleasant odor comes from the mouth, and due to the person not being fully in control of his senses, there is a strong possibility of creating noise in the masjid, contaminating the masjid with Najasat (impurity), and failing to observe the proper etiquette of the masjid. All of these actions are prohibited and Makruh (disliked) within the masjid.

It is mentioned in a Hadith Mubarak (blessed Hadith):

عن معاذ بن جبل قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “جنبوا مساجدكم ‌مجانينكم، وصبيانكم، ورفع أصواتكم”
[Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq, Volume 02, Page 149]

If a person has eaten onions, garlic, or anything similar after which a foul smell develops in the mouth, and that odor causes discomfort to people, then it is prohibited for him to go to the masjid, as mentioned in the Hadith Mubarak:

عن جابر، قال: نهى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن أكل البصل، والكراث، فغلبتنا الحاجة، فأكلنا منه فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «من أكل من هذه الشجرة المنتنة فلا يقربن مسجدنا، فإن الملائكة تتأذى مما يتأذى منه الإنس»
[Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad, Volume 33, Page 259]

A‘la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رحمہ اللہ تعالی states: Kerosene has a very strong foul smell, and taking such a bad odor into the masjid is not permissible in any way.

(Fatawa Razawiyyah, Volume 08, Page 99)

Answered by: Mubashir Attari (AskMufti Scholar)
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated answer
Date: 30th December 2025