Muslims are to avoid doing anything in the mosque that may interrupt the worshipers’ devotion and submission to Almighty Allah. Hence, it is not permissible to enter a mosque at Prayer time and greet others loudly, so that the worshipers are not distracted. Doing so does not befit the atmosphere of tranquillity that should be in Almighty Allah’s houses.
Dr. Mahmoud `Abdullah Al-`Ekazi, a professor of comparative fiqh at Al-Azhar University, states: “Mosques are Almighty Allah’s houses in this world. He Almighty has dignified mosques with describing them as His houses, where He alone is remembered and worshiped. He Most High says about them: “(Lit is such a Light) in houses, which Allah hath permitted to be raised to honour; for the celebration, in them, of His name: In them is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings, (again and again), by men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: Their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new), that Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah doth provide for those whom He will, without measure” (An-Nur: 36-38).
Almighty Allah has also referred to the close relation that holds between worshipers and mosques. In fact, Muslims should pay attention to attending mosques regularly for Prayer [and attending lessons], so that their worship therein brings them closer to Almighty Allah. He Almighty says: “The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance” (At-Tawbah: 18).
He Almighty also says: “And that the mosques are Allah’s, therefore call not upon any one with Allah” (Al-Jinn: 18).
Hence, Islam requires tranquil atmosphere in the mosques and shuns anything that may interrupt the spiritual devotion that worshipers aim at in their worship. Mosques should not be dealt with as a market place where books and magazines are sold and where some people penetrate the rows of the prayers to distribute advertisements. Nor should there be in the mosque any loud voice that may distract the attention of the worshipers, even if it is a voice of greeting, as raised in the question.
It is to be kept in mind that it is only in the atmosphere of tranquillity and peace of mind that worshipers can submit themselves heart and soul to Almighty Allah and achieve the humility and spiritual devotion they aim at by attending mosques. Disturbing such atmosphere by loud voices or any other means of interruption will affect the spirituality and devotion the worshipers seek. Such behaviour contradicts the proprieties that Islam is keen to observe and inculcate in Muslims’ minds. Almighty Allah says: “Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers, and who shun vain conversation” (Al-Mu’minun: 1-3).”