❖ The Ruling on Constructing Another Mosque in Case of Dispute ❖
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil in the Light of Qur'an and Hadith, Volume 02
Question
In our village, a dispute has arisen between two individuals regarding the leadership (imāmat) of the mosque and its financial resources, leading to severe discord. The villagers are considering building a new mosque to appoint one of them as its imam, making him the rightful recipient of the income. Is it permissible to build a second mosque with such an intention? And can this new structure be rightfully called a mosque?✔ Answer
Building a second mosque with the intention of eliminating discord and resolving disputes is permissible in Shariah. Such a mosque does not fall under the category of "Masjid Ḍirār".✿ Clarification of "Masjid Ḍirār"
"Masjid Ḍirār" refers to a mosque constructed with the malicious intent of harming Muslims, fostering disbelief, or creating division among believers, as mentioned in the Qur'an:﴿وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مَسْجِدًا ضِرَارًا وَكُفْرًا وَتَفْرِيقًا بَيْنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ﴾
(At-Tawbah: 107)
"And [there are] those who took for themselves a mosque to cause harm and disbelief and to divide the believers."
But in this case, the intention is to eliminate conflict and promote peace, hence it is not considered a Masjid Ḍirār.
✦ Virtue of Building a Mosque
The Prophet ﷺ said:«من بنى مسجدًا لله بنى الله له بيتًا في الجنة» (Muttafaqun ʿAlayh)
"Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
Thus, if the intention is sincere and corrective, building another mosque not only becomes permissible but also rewardable.
✦ Precedent from the Sunnah
ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ ordered the construction of mosques in residential areas and instructed to keep them clean and fragrant.✦ Historical Context of Masjid Ḍirār
In Madinah, hypocrites, under the influence of the troublemaker Abū ʿĀmir al-Fāsiq, constructed a rival mosque to Masjid Qubā with evil intentions. Upon revelation, the Prophet ﷺ commanded it be demolished.✿ Contemporary Application
If a new mosque is built with corrupt intentions—such as to harm Muslims or cause division—then it would be classified as Masjid Ḍirār and must be demolished. However, a new mosque is allowed if:➊ The existing mosque is too small to accommodate the worshippers,
➋ Disabled individuals face hardship reaching the mosque,
➌ Natural obstacles (rain, terrain, etc.) prevent easy access.
✔ Conclusion
Building a second mosque in your village to resolve conflict and restore peace is permissible and not condemned. The sincerity of the intention plays a central role in its permissibility and reward.وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
