Question (Q-64)
A scholar purchased a pub and converted it into a Madrasah (Islamic School) and a Masjid and took charge of it himself. Are we allowed to perform Salāh and Jumu’ah there, and make donations? One man is saying that performing Salāt ul Jumu’ah there and donating money to it is impermissible.
Answer:
Having evil opinions about another Muslim is prohibited. Allah عزوجل states in Sūrah Al Hujurāt,
يٰاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنْوا اجْتَنِبُوا کَثِيْراًمِنَ الظَّنِّ إنَّ بَعْضَ الظَنِّ إثْم
“O People who Believe! Avoid excessive assumptions; indeed assumption sometimes becomes a sin.” (Sūrah Al Hujurāt, 49:12)
The Holy Prophet (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ) said,
“Have good opinions about Believers.”
The Qari Sahib who purchased the pub and converted it into a Masjid and Madrasah, has done this to attain the Pleasure of Allah عزوجل and His Messenger (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ). This deed is an example for all Muslims. Taking charge of the Masjid does not affect his reward.
The Holy Prophet (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ) said,
من بني للّٰه مسجداً صغيراً کان أو کبيراً بني اللّٰه له بيتاً في الجنة رواه الترمذي في جامعه
“Whoever builds a Masjid for Allah (تعالى) regardless of whether it is small or big, Allah (تعالى) will build a Great Palace for him in Heaven.”
It is permissible to perform the congregation of the five Daily Prayers (Salāh) and Jumu’ah in this building, even if it is not converted into a Masjid because it is not a condition that these prayers be performed in a Masjid.
Al Imām Ahmad Ridhā قدس سره says,
“Masjid is not a condition for Salāt ul Jumu’ah. It can be performed in a house or open field as well.” (Al Fatāwā Ar Ridhwiyyah, Volume 8, Page 460/444, Lahore)
Therefore, donating money to the institute or helping it in any other way is co-operation with piety and righteousness and is a means towards immense reward.
People who issue Islamic verdicts without knowledge are severe sinners who are worthy of Hell and Allah’s (تعالى) Wrath. The Noble Prophet (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ) said,
عن أبي هريرة رضي اللّٰه تعاليٰ عنه – من أفتي بفتيا بغير علم کان إثم ذالک علي من أفتاه
أخرجه أحمد في المسند
“Whoever issues a ruling without knowledge, the sin is on the one who issued the ruling.”
He (صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلَيْهِ وَ اٰلِه وَ سَلَّمَ) also said, “Whoever gives an Islamic verdict without knowledge, the Curse of Allah (تعالى), His Angels and humans is upon him.”
Allah (تعالى) says,
اَلْفِتْنَةُ اَکْبَرُ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ
“Anarchy is worse than murder.” (Sūrah Al Baqarah, 2:217)
Every Muslim must fear being punished in both worlds.
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
