Is it obligatory to repeat the greeting of the mosque every time one leaves the mosque?
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The questioner : Shaykh. Is it obligatory to repeat the greeting of the mosque every time one leaves the mosque?
The Shaykh : It is not obligatory if a person intends to return shortly, in which case it is not required. For example, if he goes out to perform ablution or goes out to speak with someone, he is not required to repeat it. However, if he goes out with the intention of not returning, then if he comes back, even if he takes only one step, he should pray the greeting of the mosque. Thus, there is a distinction between one who goes out to return shortly and one who goes out not to return shortly. The former does not need to pray the greeting of the mosque, while the latter prays the greeting of the mosque even if he has taken only one step. In your phrasing, you used the word "obligatory," but do not assume it is obligatory in the sense that a person sins by leaving it, because it appears that the greeting of the mosque is not obligatory. However, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah), and a person should not leave it off.
The Shaykh : It is not obligatory if a person intends to return shortly, in which case it is not required. For example, if he goes out to perform ablution or goes out to speak with someone, he is not required to repeat it. However, if he goes out with the intention of not returning, then if he comes back, even if he takes only one step, he should pray the greeting of the mosque. Thus, there is a distinction between one who goes out to return shortly and one who goes out not to return shortly. The former does not need to pray the greeting of the mosque, while the latter prays the greeting of the mosque even if he has taken only one step. In your phrasing, you used the word "obligatory," but do not assume it is obligatory in the sense that a person sins by leaving it, because it appears that the greeting of the mosque is not obligatory. However, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah), and a person should not leave it off.