Difference between a Masjid and a Musalla

Q 3: What is the difference between a Masjid (mosque) and a Musalla (a place for Prayer)? Is Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit-Prayer to salute the mosque) Wajib (obligatory) in the Musalla, or not required, or just Mustahab (desirable) and Mandub (commendable)?

A: A Masjid is the area dedicated for offering the obligatory Salah (Prayer) permanently. As for the Musalla, it is a place where Salah is performed on certain occasions, such as Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer), Funeral Prayer, etc., and it is not dedicated for offering the five daily prayers. Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid is not Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) when entering a Musalla, it is Sunnah only when entering a Masjid for whoever (Part No. 5; Page No. 170) intends to stay in it. It should be performed before sitting down as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When anyone among you enters the Masjid, he should not sit down till he offers two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer). (Agreed upon by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim)May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.