Question (Q-47)
If a piece of land was donated specifically for the purpose of building a Masjid and the Masjid has been constructed, is it permissible to build a Madrasah on that same land?
Answer:
If a piece of land was donated specifically for the building of a Masjid then, to cancel the status of anything built on that land as a Masjid and to convert into a Madrasah (Islamic school) is impermissible. It is stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah,
لا يجوز تغيير الوقف
“It is not permissible to change an endowment.”
It is stated in Fath Al Qadīr,
الواجب إبقاء الوقف علي ما کان عليه
“It is necessary to keep the endowment upon its state.”
Allah (تعالى) says in the Holy Qur’ān,
وان المساجد للّٰه
“And that the Masājid are for Allah (تعالى) only.” (Sūrah Al Jinn, 72:18)
However, it is permissible to provide religious education inside a Masjid whilst maintaining its status as a Masjid. This is even without the permission of the donor. This is clarified in Al Fatāwā Ar Ridhwiyyah, Volume 7.
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
