Source: “Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith”, Volume 02
Referenced from: Fatāwā Ghaznawiyyah, Page 19
Answered by: Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Jabbār ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Ghaznawī (ʿAfā Allāhu ʿanhumā)
Is it permissible to build a mosque using a loan taken on interest (sūd)?
Also:
This issue is a matter of serious concern in light of Islamic law.
However, the agreed-upon ruling (ittifāqī mas’alah) is that:
This mosque does not carry the legal status of a Sharʿī mosque.
That is, it cannot be considered a proper masjid in Islamic law, and therefore does not inherit the sanctity or rulings associated with a legitimate masjid.
✔ Donating for a legitimate mosque project, especially in times of genuine need, is permissible and rewarded.
✖ But in the case of this specific mosque, built on haram and forbidden financial means, donations and financial support are not valid nor meritorious, since the structure itself is not a masjid in the sight of Sharīʿah.
✔ It is permissible to demolish this mosque with the intention to rebuild it using halal and pure wealth.
This action falls in line with the Qur’anic principle:
﴿جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ﴾
“Truth has come, and falsehood has perished.”
— (Surah al-Isrā’, 17:81)
Replacing a structure built on corrupt foundations with one based on purity and taqwā is not only permissible, but an act of reform and obedience.
① Salah in such a mosque is disputed, though major scholars agree it is not a proper masjid.
② There is no reward for the builder or donors in this case.
③ Donations for repaying interest-based loans are not valid.
④ It is permissible and appropriate to demolish the mosque with the intention of rebuilding it from pure, lawful wealth.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah, the Exalted, knows best what is correct.
Written by: Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Jabbār ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Ghaznawī (ʿAfā Allāhu ʿanhumā)
Fatāwā Ghaznawiyyah, Page 19
Referenced from: Fatāwā Ghaznawiyyah, Page 19Answered by: Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Jabbār ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Ghaznawī (ʿAfā Allāhu ʿanhumā)
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to build a mosque using a loan taken on interest (sūd)?
Also:
- Is it permissible to perform Salah in such a mosque?
- Can it be considered a proper mosque (masjid in Sharʿī terms)?
- Will the person who funded it through such means be rewarded?
- Is it rewarding to donate money to help repay this interest-based loan?
- Is it permissible to collect donations generally for a mosque?
- And finally, is it permissible to demolish such a mosque?
❖ Answer:
This issue is a matter of serious concern in light of Islamic law.
- According to some scholars, Salah is valid in such a mosque.
- According to others, it is not valid due to the impurity and illegitimacy of the foundation.
However, the agreed-upon ruling (ittifāqī mas’alah) is that:
This mosque does not carry the legal status of a Sharʿī mosque.
That is, it cannot be considered a proper masjid in Islamic law, and therefore does not inherit the sanctity or rulings associated with a legitimate masjid.
- The person who used interest-based (ḥarām) loans to construct this mosque will not receive any reward.
- Likewise, any person who donates funds to repay such an unlawful loan will also receive no reward, because they are aiding in a haram-funded initiative.
✔ Donating for a legitimate mosque project, especially in times of genuine need, is permissible and rewarded.
✖ But in the case of this specific mosque, built on haram and forbidden financial means, donations and financial support are not valid nor meritorious, since the structure itself is not a masjid in the sight of Sharīʿah.
✔ It is permissible to demolish this mosque with the intention to rebuild it using halal and pure wealth.
This action falls in line with the Qur’anic principle:
﴿جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ﴾
“Truth has come, and falsehood has perished.”
— (Surah al-Isrā’, 17:81)
Replacing a structure built on corrupt foundations with one based on purity and taqwā is not only permissible, but an act of reform and obedience.
❖ Final Summary:
① Salah in such a mosque is disputed, though major scholars agree it is not a proper masjid.
② There is no reward for the builder or donors in this case.
③ Donations for repaying interest-based loans are not valid.
④ It is permissible and appropriate to demolish the mosque with the intention of rebuilding it from pure, lawful wealth.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah, the Exalted, knows best what is correct.
Written by: Mawlānā ʿAbd al-Jabbār ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Ghaznawī (ʿAfā Allāhu ʿanhumā)
Fatāwā Ghaznawiyyah, Page 19