Is it obligatory to repeat the greeting of the mosque every time one exits?
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The questioner : Shaykh, is it obligatory to repeat the greeting of the mosque every time one exits the mosque?
The Shaykh : It is not obligatory if a person intends to return shortly, such as if he goes out to perform ablution or to speak to someone; in that case, 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 it is only by one step, he should pray the greeting of the mosque. Thus, there is a distinction between one who goes out intending to return shortly and one who goes out not intending 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 only taken one step. In your phrasing, you used the word "obligatory," but do not assume it is obligatory in the sense that a person would sin by leaving it out. It appears that the greeting of the mosque is not obligatory, but it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah) that a person should not neglect. Yes.
The Shaykh : It is not obligatory if a person intends to return shortly, such as if he goes out to perform ablution or to speak to someone; in that case, 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 it is only by one step, he should pray the greeting of the mosque. Thus, there is a distinction between one who goes out intending to return shortly and one who goes out not intending 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 only taken one step. In your phrasing, you used the word "obligatory," but do not assume it is obligatory in the sense that a person would sin by leaving it out. It appears that the greeting of the mosque is not obligatory, but it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah) that a person should not neglect. Yes.