Surah At-Tawbah — Ayah 108 (9:108)

English translation (Saheeh International)

Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day¹ is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allāh loves those who purify themselves.

1. - This description is of the Qubā’ mosque.

Brief commentary

Do not accept, O Prophet, the invitation of the hypocrites to you to pray in this mosque which was built for immoral purposes. Rather, the Qubā’ mosque which was founded from its beginning on Mindfulness is more worthy of your praying in it than this mosque that was founded on disbelief. In the Qubā’ mosque, there are men who love to purify themselves from ritual and physical impurities with water, as well as from sins with repentance and seeking forgiveness. Allah loves those who purify themselves from ritual and physical impurities and from sins.