Permissibility of Distributing or Selling a Worn-Out Mosque Canopy

Ruling on Distributing a Waqf Canopy (Shamiyana) of the Mosque

Source: "Ahkam-o-Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02

❖ Question​

If the waqf (endowed) canopy of the mosque becomes completely worn out and fragile, beyond repair, and keeping it further would result in more harm, rendering it entirely useless — in such a case, can this canopy be distributed among the lame, crippled, leprous, needy, and disabled?

✔ Answer​

It is permissible to either:

① Sell such a worn-out canopy and spend the proceeds on the mosque,
or
② Distribute the canopy itself among the helpless and needy individuals.

Both methods are allowed.

The following references support this ruling:
ذكر الأزرقي أن عمر كان ينزع كسوة الكعبة كل سنة فيقسمها عن الحاج وعنده أيضا عن ابن عباس رضى الله عنه و عائشة رضى الله عنه انها قالا ولا باس أن يلبس كسوتها من صارت إليه من حائض وجنب وغيرهما. وقالت عائشة لشيبت بيعها فاجعل ثمنها فى سبيل اللّٰه وفي المساكين
Narrated by al-Fākihī and al-Bayhaqī (Muhaddith Delhi, Vol. 1, Issue 10)

✦ Key Point:​

Both options—selling and using the money for the mosque, or distributing the item directly to the needy—are in accordance with Islamic guidelines on handling unusable waqf property.