The ruling on eating, drinking, and worldly conversation in the mosque

Question:
May Allah reward you. In another question, she says: I am a member of the mosque group. Since the teacher gives us lectures on some days, and when we do not come—rather, when she does not come—we, the mosque group, hold a simple breakfast, such as coffee or dates or something else, inside the mosque. Sometimes we talk about worldly matters. Is this correct? Or does it not carry the rulings of other mosques that are restricted to worship?

Answer:
If she means what was in the first question, that it is a prayer hall and not a mosque, then it does not carry the ruling of a mosque, as we mentioned previously. It is permissible to speak in it, and it is permissible to eat and drink in it, as well as other permissible matters. As for the mosque that is endowed for prayer and prepared for the prayers, it has specific rulings that must be observed, such as keeping it clean from impurities and filth. It is also to be kept free from conversation about worldly matters, buying, and selling. And, a fortiori, it is to be kept free from forbidden speech, such as backbiting, talebearing, and lying. As for eating and drinking in the mosque, there is no harm in it, provided that the mosque is not soiled and the prescribed etiquette is observed. If no soiling or food remnants occur in the mosque, then there is no harm in eating and drinking in the mosque. And praise be to Allah. Yes.