Musjid

Distributing parcels and hampers from the Musjid

Q: The following appears in "The Three Harams" by Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen:

"Do not distribute parcels, hampers and other goods in the musjid. Similarly, do not make the musjid a drop off point for collecting parcels."

Please advise:

(1) What is the status of distributing parcels and hampers in the Musjid parking lot and yard? This happens in poor areas in KZN, where Muslim and Ulama relief groups or individuals, arrange for the distribution of groceries and blankets in the Musjid yard. People, males and females, line up and collect.

(2) Distributing Qurbani meat in the Masjid parking lot / yard. Is this correct?

(3) A feeding scheme takes place for the poor children after afternoon Madrasah at the Masjid. The children sit and eat in the madrasah section, which is a large room adjoining the last saff. Is this permissible?

(4) Grocery hampers are distributed to poor people in the Masjid entrance/shoe rack area, the goods are given to poor people as they leave. Is this permissible?

Does the sunnats of the masjid and reward for performing salaah in the masjid apply to a musallla?

Q: I have recently moved into an area that has a musallah, but not a masjid. The musallah is 1.1 km from my house and the nearest masjid is 3.8km.

1. Are the etiquettes and sunan of a masjid applicable to a musallah i.e. should one recite the duas for entering and leaving a masjid, make niyah for itikaaf, enter with the right foot etc.

2. Will one accrue the same reward for performing salaah in a musallah as one would in a masjid?

3. If not, is it advisable to perform salaah in the musallah or make the extra effort to attend the masjid?

Any other additional information regarding the differences between a masjid and musallah will be greatly appreciated insha-Allah.