Masjids transcended their role as mere spaces for worship during the earlier Islamic period. Masjids emerged as dynamic hubs for social cohesion, education, and humanitarian aid under Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Rightly Guided Caliphs (632–661 CE). They became hubs of relief efforts during natural disasters, famines, and pandemics. Masjids exemplified the Islamic principle of collective responsibility and kindness to people by people.
The Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabawi) in Madinah became a rallying point for collective prayers (Salat al-Istisqa) and fundraising. It is mentioned in Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi that the Prophet ﷺ led the people out to an open area during a severe drought in Madinah. He performed the Istisqa prayer in congregation, delivered a sermon, and made du‘ā’ for rain. He changed his cloak, turning it inside out as a symbolic gesture of expecting change in the weather. He raised his hands so high that the whiteness of his armpits was visible. He made a lengthy supplication, humbling himself before Allah. Shortly after, clouds gathered, and rain fell, relieving the people. Even today when there are no rains, Muslim follow this Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and usually their prayers are answered.
Masjid as Centre for Charity Collection
Masjid-e-Nabawiwas the primary location where people gathered to bring their donations. The collected food, clothing, and money was then distributed among the needy. This practice continued not only during the Prophet’s time but also in later Islamic history. Masjids continued to serve as centres for social service and community care.
As reported in Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, Madinah faced a period of drought and scarcity. The Prophet ﷺ was deeply concerned about the suffering of the people. He stood on the minbar in Masjid-e-Nabawiand encouraged the believers to give in charity. He reminded them of the virtues of generosity and how Allah blesses those who help others in need.
One of the narrations describes that when the Prophet ﷺ made this appeal, ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan responded generously by bringing a large amount of wealth and food supplies. He donated 1,000 camels, 70 horses, and a significant amount of gold to support the struggling community. His generosity moved the Prophet ﷺ, who remarked: “Nothing will harm ‘Uthman after this day!”
Another companion, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, also contributed a large share of food and wealth. Another narration (reported in Muslim and Abu Dawood) relates a group of people from the tribe of Mudar arrived in Madinah during a time of hardship. They were extremely poor, wearing tattered clothes. Seeing their condition, the Prophet ﷺ was deeply moved. He ascended the pulpit and encouraged the companions to donate whatever they could. The companions responded by bringing food, dates, and clothes to the Masjid. A large pile of charity was gathered, and the Prophet’s ﷺ face lit up with joy upon seeing the generosity of his followers.
Pandemic Guidance and Crisis Response
The Prophet ﷺ enforced containment strategies during times of plague. He advised his companions, “Do not enter a land where there is a plague, and do not flee from it if you are already there” (Bukhari). These instructions were then disseminated through Masjid gatherings.
During the Year of Ashes (Aam al-Ramadah), there was a severe famine that occurred during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab. The famine struck the Hijaz region, particularly Madinah and its surroundings, causing extreme food shortages. Umar gathered people in Masjid-e-Nabawiand appealed for charity. He instructed the wealthy to bring food, dates, and grains to be distributed to the poor. The Masjid became a relief centre, where people donated and the needy received supplies. Umar opened the state treasury to feed the hungry. Thousands of people from surrounding tribes migrated to Madinah, seeking food.
Institutionalising Masjid-Based Welfare
Caliph Abu Bakr centralised Zakat collection through Masjids. The collective system of Zakat ensured that the needy did not remain neglected. After the Prophet’s demise, Masjids provided refuge and resources to displaced communities during various crises such as tribal conflicts. Caliph Umar institutionalised the Bayt al-Mal, to fund disaster relief. The public treasury was usually managed near Masjids. Umar mobilised resources through Masjids during the devastating Plague of Amwas (638–639 CE) which killed thousands of the Noble Companions.
Umar organised medical teams and established quarantine zones. Masjids hosted prayers for divine mercy and facilitated food distribution to isolated families. He consulted with the Noble Companions about evacuating people from the plague-affected regions in Syria in the Masjid. It was in the Masjid that Umar gave the famous statement: “We flee from the decree of Allah to the decree of Allah.”
After due consultation, he decided to return to Madinah and leave Syria. The Masjid acted as the base for democratic decision-making.
Caliph Uthman used Masjid networks to distribute surplus grain during famines. Under Ali, Masjids doubled as courts and arbitration centres. They resolved disputes that arose from resource scarcity during crises.
Masjids in Contemporary Times
Early Masjids exemplified the Muslim Ummah’s (global community) unity and solidarity. Even today, they can serve as centres for social service and crisis management. Masjids can be used for food banks, vaccination drives, and mental health support during pandemics. The Prophetic injunction to “tie your camel” (relying on practical effort alongside faith) should motivate Masjids to partner with health agencies and NGOs during natural calamities and pandemics.
Just as early Masjids disseminated knowledge, modern ones can host workshops on disaster preparedness and climate justice. The legacy of Masjids in the early era of the Prophet ﷺ and the Rightly Guided Caliphs shows us the way to reimagine these sacred spaces as engines of social service and community development. We will be honouring the vision of the Prophet ﷺ and the Rightly Guided Caliphs if we start changing the concept of Masjids as merely places of worship to hubs of welfare and compassion. As the world grapples with pandemics and climate disasters, Masjids can once again become beacons of hope, resilience, and unconditional service.