Authored by: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (حفظہ اللہ)
Question:
What is the ruling on employing non-Muslims in the construction of mosques?
Answer:
Non-Muslims should not be allowed to enter mosques. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمہ اللہ) in his book Iqtidha as-Sirat al-Mustaqeem narrates an incident:
Hazrat Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) came to Hazrat Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) with the financial accounts of Iraq. Hazrat Umar instructed him to summon his scribe to read them. Abu Musa replied that the scribe would not enter the mosque as he was a Christian. Hazrat Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) became angry and threatened to punish him, stating:
"Do not honor them, as Allah has disgraced them; do not consider them truthful, as Allah has declared them liars; and do not regard them as trustworthy, as Allah has described them as treacherous."
Allah Almighty has declared the polytheists as impure and forbidden them from approaching Masjid al-Haram. Scholars deduce from this that polytheists should be kept away from all mosques, as Allah has prohibited their closeness to even one.
The impurity of polytheists is primarily metaphysical, stemming from their corrupt beliefs and their harboring of hatred and malice toward Muslims. They view Islam as a false religion and consider the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) untruthful. Additionally, they see Islam as a force that humiliated and weakened Judaism and Christianity. As such, they continually conspire against Muslims in an attempt to divert them from their religion.
"It is not for the polytheists to maintain the mosques of Allah..."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 17)
In this verse, the term "maintain" refers to worship and obedience within mosques.
While assigning such tasks to non-Muslims reflects negligence and carelessness, it is also a reality that competent Muslim professionals are available for such work. The preference for non-Muslims stems from a misconception that Muslims lack the expertise or ability to perform these tasks with the same efficiency.
This assumption is a grave error, as Muslims are more deserving of such opportunities. They are more sincere, trustworthy, and reliable, and their work carries the blessing of their faith.
Question:
What is the ruling on employing non-Muslims in the construction of mosques?
Answer:
Non-Muslims should not be allowed to enter mosques. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمہ اللہ) in his book Iqtidha as-Sirat al-Mustaqeem narrates an incident:
Hazrat Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) came to Hazrat Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) with the financial accounts of Iraq. Hazrat Umar instructed him to summon his scribe to read them. Abu Musa replied that the scribe would not enter the mosque as he was a Christian. Hazrat Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) became angry and threatened to punish him, stating:
"Do not honor them, as Allah has disgraced them; do not consider them truthful, as Allah has declared them liars; and do not regard them as trustworthy, as Allah has described them as treacherous."
Allah Almighty has declared the polytheists as impure and forbidden them from approaching Masjid al-Haram. Scholars deduce from this that polytheists should be kept away from all mosques, as Allah has prohibited their closeness to even one.
The impurity of polytheists is primarily metaphysical, stemming from their corrupt beliefs and their harboring of hatred and malice toward Muslims. They view Islam as a false religion and consider the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) untruthful. Additionally, they see Islam as a force that humiliated and weakened Judaism and Christianity. As such, they continually conspire against Muslims in an attempt to divert them from their religion.
Islamic Evidence
Allah states in the Qur'an:"It is not for the polytheists to maintain the mosques of Allah..."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 17)
In this verse, the term "maintain" refers to worship and obedience within mosques.
Contemporary Context
In modern times, non-Muslims have gained significant dominance over Muslim lands, owning various institutions and companies. Consequently, they are often entrusted with tasks, including mosque construction. This can include designing, engineering, electrical work, and supervision.While assigning such tasks to non-Muslims reflects negligence and carelessness, it is also a reality that competent Muslim professionals are available for such work. The preference for non-Muslims stems from a misconception that Muslims lack the expertise or ability to perform these tasks with the same efficiency.
This assumption is a grave error, as Muslims are more deserving of such opportunities. They are more sincere, trustworthy, and reliable, and their work carries the blessing of their faith.