Tafsir of Al-Jinn 72:18

{And that the mosques are for Allah} This is part of what was revealed. It is said that the meaning is: "And because the mosques are for Allah, {so do not call upon}—with the lam (preposition) connected to do not call upon—{along with Allah anyone} within the mosques, for they belong exclusively to Allah and His worship."

Interpretations of "the mosques":

• Al-Hasan: It refers to the entire earth, as it was made a place of prayer (masjid) for the Prophet (ﷺ).
• The Sacred Mosque: It is said it refers specifically to the Sacred Mosque (al-Masjid al-Haram), as it is the qibla (direction) of all mosques. This is supported by the verse: "And who is more unjust than one who prevents the name of Allah from being mentioned in His mosques..." (Al-Baqarah: 114).
• Qatadah: The Jews and Christians, when entering their synagogues and churches, would associate others with Allah. Thus, we were commanded to make our worship sincere to Allah alone when we enter the mosques.
• The Seven Limbs: It is said that "the mosques" refers to the seven limbs of prostration. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "I have been commanded to prostrate upon seven bones: the forehead, the nose, the two hands, the two knees, and the two feet."
• Prostration: It is also said that it is the plural of masjid, meaning the act of prostration itself.

{And that when the servant of Allah stood up calling upon Him, they almost crowded upon him in layers.}