Question (Q-37)
Does the Hadīth in which it is stated, “Anyone who builds a Masjid will have a Palace in Paradise” refer to building a complete Masjid or does it also include the contribution of a small percentage towards the total construction costs by a poor person?
Answer:
It is narrated in a Blessed Hadīth,
من بني للّٰه مسجداً صغيراً کان أو کبيراً بني اللّٰه له بيتاً في الجنة
“Whoever builds a Masjid for Allah (تعالى), whether small or big, Allah (تعالى) will build a house for him in Jannah.” (At Tirmidhī, Volume 1, Page 43)
It is stated in a narration of Al Imām Al A’dham Abū Hanīfah (رضى الله عنه),
“Even if someone builds a Masjid that is the size of a bird’s nest then there will be an enormous Palace in Heaven for him.” (Musnad Al Imām Al A’dham).
This means even if someone makes a small contribution towards a Masjid, he will gain great benefit. There is no Masjid that is equivalent to the size of a bird’s nest. Therefore, poor people can gain this reward. In fact, the Holy Prophet of Allah (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ) said,
من أخرج أذي من المسجد بني اللّٰه له بيتاً في الجنة
“Whoever removes anything harmful from a Masjid, Allah (تعالى) will build a house for him in Paradise.” (Ibn Mājah)
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
