Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
According to Islamic teachings, excessively beautifying and adorning mosques is considered a bid‘ah (religious innovation) and an act of israf (extravagance). During the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, mosques were marked by simplicity and cleanliness. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade imitating the Jews and Christians in adorning places of worship with elaborate decorations.
Bid‘ah:
In Islamic terminology, bid‘ah refers to introducing new practices into religion that have no basis in the Sharī‘ah. Excessive decoration of mosques is one such innovation, as it was never practiced during the Prophet’s time.
Israf:
The Qur’an prohibits extravagance, stating:
"Indeed, the spendthrifts are brothers of the devils."
(Surah Al-Isra: 27)
In the era of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, mosques were known for their simplicity. The primary objective of a mosque is the worship of Allah and His remembrance—not worldly embellishment. The Prophet ﷺ discouraged such adornment that could distract worshippers and reduce the spiritual focus during prayer.
① Excessive beautification of mosques is deemed a bid‘ah and an act of israf.
② The Prophet ﷺ forbade decorating mosques to the level practiced by Jews and Christians.
③ Mosques should reflect simplicity and purity to preserve their purpose of sincere worship and remembrance of Allah.
❖ The Shar‘i Ruling on Lavishly Decorating Mosques
According to Islamic teachings, excessively beautifying and adorning mosques is considered a bid‘ah (religious innovation) and an act of israf (extravagance). During the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, mosques were marked by simplicity and cleanliness. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade imitating the Jews and Christians in adorning places of worship with elaborate decorations.
❖ Ruling on Ornamentation and Extravagance
Bid‘ah:
In Islamic terminology, bid‘ah refers to introducing new practices into religion that have no basis in the Sharī‘ah. Excessive decoration of mosques is one such innovation, as it was never practiced during the Prophet’s time.
Israf:
The Qur’an prohibits extravagance, stating:
"Indeed, the spendthrifts are brothers of the devils."
(Surah Al-Isra: 27)
❖ Guidance from the Prophet ﷺ
In the era of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, mosques were known for their simplicity. The primary objective of a mosque is the worship of Allah and His remembrance—not worldly embellishment. The Prophet ﷺ discouraged such adornment that could distract worshippers and reduce the spiritual focus during prayer.
✦ Summary
① Excessive beautification of mosques is deemed a bid‘ah and an act of israf.
② The Prophet ﷺ forbade decorating mosques to the level practiced by Jews and Christians.
③ Mosques should reflect simplicity and purity to preserve their purpose of sincere worship and remembrance of Allah.
