(77) Chapter: Indignation against the Transgression of Divine Laws

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) noticed spittle in the mosque in the direction of the Qiblah. The signs of disgust were perceived on his face. Then, he stood up and scraped it away with his own hand and said, "When you stand in Salat, you hold communion with your Rubb and He is between you and the Qiblah. Let no one therefore cast out his spittle in that direction, but only to his left or under his foot." Then he caught hold a corner of his sheet, spat into it and folded it up and said, "Or he should do like this."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Worshippers are under obligation to observe certain manners in the mosque with the most important being abstinence from spitting towards Qiblah (Ka`bah). Instead the method pointed out in the Hadith may be put in effect right during Salat (prayer). Yet one, if not offering Salat, can turn to the mosque's washing-place where a channel exists for the outflow of unclean water, etc. Obviously, it is a better substitute for a pocket-handkerchief or sheet which should be used when necessary. Second, this Hadith tells us that every effort should be made to keep the place of worship neat and clean, and if anyone finds some dirt in the mosque, he should immediately remove it.