Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
According to Islamic law, if a mosque is constructed solely based on personal desires, enmity, or with the intention to cause division and mischief among Muslims, it is classified as Masjid-e-Dirar. This refers to a mosque built to create discord and harm among the Muslim community, and performing prayer in such a mosque is prohibited.
Allah Almighty states in the Qur’an:
"Never stand (for prayer) in it. Certainly, a mosque founded on piety from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 108)
This verse clearly indicates that a Masjid-e-Dirar is one constructed with the intent of mischief, division, and harm toward fellow Muslims. Allah has strictly forbidden praying in such a mosque.
During the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA), as Islamic conquests led to the establishment of new cities, he instructed that Muslims should pray in a single mosque in each city. He forbade the construction of multiple mosques where rivalry or harmful intentions existed.
(Source: Tafsir Ma‘alim al-Tanzil)
Tafsir Madarik states:
“Any mosque constructed for the sake of pride, ostentation, fame, or any intention other than seeking Allah’s pleasure falls under the category of Masjid-e-Dirar.”
① Masjid-e-Dirar refers to a mosque built due to personal desires, enmity, or with the intent to harm another existing mosque.
② Performing prayer in such a mosque is impermissible.
③ Even during the time of the Sahabah, efforts were made to ensure mosques did not become a cause of division among Muslims.
④ Hence, those who construct a new mosque and initiate separate congregations or Friday prayers out of discord or mischief are not acting in accordance with Shariah.
⑤ May Allah protect us from hypocrisy and discord, and keep unity among Muslims. Ameen.
❖ The Ruling of a Masjid-e-Dirar (Mosque of Harm)
According to Islamic law, if a mosque is constructed solely based on personal desires, enmity, or with the intention to cause division and mischief among Muslims, it is classified as Masjid-e-Dirar. This refers to a mosque built to create discord and harm among the Muslim community, and performing prayer in such a mosque is prohibited.
❖ In Light of the Qur’an
Allah Almighty states in the Qur’an:
"Never stand (for prayer) in it. Certainly, a mosque founded on piety from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 108)
This verse clearly indicates that a Masjid-e-Dirar is one constructed with the intent of mischief, division, and harm toward fellow Muslims. Allah has strictly forbidden praying in such a mosque.
❖ Practice of the Companions (Sahabah)
During the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA), as Islamic conquests led to the establishment of new cities, he instructed that Muslims should pray in a single mosque in each city. He forbade the construction of multiple mosques where rivalry or harmful intentions existed.
(Source: Tafsir Ma‘alim al-Tanzil)
❖ Building a Mosque with Intentions of Pride, Show, or Ego
Tafsir Madarik states:
“Any mosque constructed for the sake of pride, ostentation, fame, or any intention other than seeking Allah’s pleasure falls under the category of Masjid-e-Dirar.”
✦ Summary
① Masjid-e-Dirar refers to a mosque built due to personal desires, enmity, or with the intent to harm another existing mosque.
② Performing prayer in such a mosque is impermissible.
③ Even during the time of the Sahabah, efforts were made to ensure mosques did not become a cause of division among Muslims.
④ Hence, those who construct a new mosque and initiate separate congregations or Friday prayers out of discord or mischief are not acting in accordance with Shariah.
⑤ May Allah protect us from hypocrisy and discord, and keep unity among Muslims. Ameen.
