Source: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1, Pages 220–221
❀ Question:
In a village where both Ahl-e-Hadith and Hanafi followers reside and two Imams are present, religious discord has escalated to the point of potential bloodshed. The Ahl-e-Hadith wish to establish a separate mosque. Is this permissible according to Islamic law?
✔ Ruling:
If obstacles arise in performing prayer or observing Sunnah-based acts of worship in the existing mosque, and the situation has deteriorated to the point of potential violence, then it is permissible in Shari‘ah for the Ahl-e-Hadith to construct a separate mosque. This measure serves to avoid discord and facilitate peaceful worship.
✿ Evidence from Hadith:
“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”
(Reported by Abu Dawud)
In extreme circumstances where reconciliation seems impossible and bloodshed is feared, building a separate mosque to prevent tribulation is not only permissible but preferable. As Allah says:
“وَٱلْفِتْنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ ٱلْقَتْلِ“
(Translation: Tribulation is worse than killing.)
✔ Guideline:
Wherever possible, efforts should be made for reconciliation and to maintain unity in a single mosque. However, if no peaceful resolution is achievable, it is permissible for the Ahl-e-Hadith to build a separate mosque, provided it is established in a location that encourages maximum participation in prayer and is dedicated solely to worship and the implementation of divine laws.
References:
- Ahmadullah, Madrasa Zubaydiyyah, 26 Shawwal 1356 AH
- Abu Sa‘id Sharaf al-Din, Madrasa Sa‘idiyyah, 3 Dhul-Qa‘dah 1356 AH
- Muhammad Yunus, Madrasa Hazrat Miyan Sahib, 12 Dhul-Qa‘dah 1356 AH
