Is it permissible to pray in a mosque that has "O Allah - O Muhammad" written on its qiblah?
Prayer in a mosque where the phrase "O Allah - O Muhammad" is written on the qibla is valid. However, scholars dislike the writing of anything on the qibla due to it distracting the worshippers, and because the phrase "O Muhammad" carries the meaning of seeking aid from a created being, which is impermissible, even if directed towards the Prophet, peace be upon him. He said: "Aid is not sought through me; rather, aid is sought through Allah." If this was disliked during his lifetime, peace be upon him, then it is even more so after his passing.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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