When any of you enters the mosque, let him send peace upon the Prophet and say: Allāhumma iftahli abwāba rahmatik (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy)

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) guided the Muslim, when entering the mosque, to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) by saying: Allāhumma salli wa sallim ‘ala Muhammad (O Allah, send Your blessings and peace upon Muhammad), and then to say: Allāhumma iftahli abwāba rahmatik (O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy). And when he leaves, he should send peace upon the Prophet and say: Allāhumma i‘simni min ash-shaytān ar-rajīm (O Allah, protect me from the accursed devil). In another narration by Al-Hākim: And say: Allāhumma ajirni min ash-shaytān ar-rajīm (O Allah, save me from the accursed devil).

Lessons

• It is recommended to say this supplication upon entering the mosque and upon leaving it.
• This supplication is to be generally recited in all mosques, including the Sacred Mosque.
• The specific mention of mercy when entering and seeking protection from the devil when exiting: The one entering is engaged in what brings him closer to Allah and His Paradise, so it is fitting to mention mercy. When exiting, he ventures into the world with its distractions and preoccupations, so it is appropriate to ask Allah for protection and preservation from the devil.