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Is it permissible to sell a mosque if there are no longer Muslims living around it?

04-01-1999

Question 1828

What is the ruling on selling a mosque if the Muslims have moved away from the area where it is located, and there is the fear that it may fall into a state of disrepair or be taken over by others? Often Muslims buy a house and convert it into a mosque, then when the majority of Muslims move away from the area because of their work, the mosque is abandoned or neglected, and may be taken over by others. It is possible to sell it and replace it with another mosque to be established in the area where there are Muslims. What is the ruling on this sale or replacement? If it is not possible to replace it with another mosque, what is the best way to dispose of the money raised from the sale of the mosque?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is permissible to sell a mosque that is no longer used or that is in a location that has been abandoned by Muslims, or where there is the fear that it may be taken over by the kuffaar, on the condition that the money is used to buy another place that will be used as a mosque. And Allaah knows best.

Rulings on Mosques
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