Ruling on Taking Books Left by Visitors in Mosques
Question:
In small mosques of Makkah al-Mukarramah where no libraries exist, there are often books left behind by visitors or worshippers.
Is it permissible to take such books?
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Ruling:
✘ No, it is not permissible in Sharīʿah to take books left behind by visitors in the mosque.
Summary:
❖ Books left in the mosque by visitors do not become public property.
❖ Taking them without proper ownership or permission is not allowed.
❖ Such items are considered trusts (amānah) and must remain in place unless handed over to a designated authority.
