Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith, Volume 02❖ Question
Is it permissible to construct a solid pulpit (minbar) of brick or clay in a mosque instead of the traditional wooden one? Zaid claims that a pulpit should only be made of wood and that building a solid minbar is an innovation (bid‘ah). What is the ruling?❖ Answer
The Prophet’s (ﷺ) mosque was simple in structure, with a palm branch roof, and the minbar was made from tamarisk wood. However, during the caliphate of Uthman (رضي الله عنه), the mosque was rebuilt with solid construction, and decorative stone columns were installed.During the caliphate of Ali (رضي الله عنه), the central mosque of Kufa was constructed with solid material, and its minbar was built from bricks. Ali (رضي الله عنه) used to deliver sermons from that very pulpit.
(Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari)
Therefore, building solid mosques and pulpits is permissible, and this has been the established practice of the Companions (Sahabah).
Zaid’s statement is incorrect and based on lack of knowledge.
(Maulana Muhammad Yunus Dehlavi, Ahl-e-Hadith Gazette, Delhi, Vol. 8, Issue 24)
