Will a Muslim be rewarded for spending on building?

Praise be to Allah.

It was narrated from Anas ibn Maalik that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “”Every building will bring bad consequences to the one who built it, except that (which is necessary).” 

(Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5237; Ibn Maajah, 4161) 

This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2830. 

It was narrated that Khabbaab ibn al-Aratt said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘A man will be rewarded for all of his spending, except (spending on) dust – or he said, on building.’” 

(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2483; Ibn Maajah, 4163). 

This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2831. 

Shaykh al-Albaani said: 

Know that what is meant in this hadeeth and the previous hadeeth – and Allaah knows best – is when a Muslim is too concerned with building and buikds more than he needs. There is no doubt that what is necessary varies according to the size of the builder’s family, whether it is large or small, and whether he entertains guests or not. In that regard it is similar to the saheeh hadeeth, “A bed for the man, a bed for his wife, a bed for their guest, and the fourth is for the Shaytaan.” (Narrated by Muslim, 6/146 and others; also narrated in Saheeh Abi Dawood). 

Hence al-Haafiz said, after quoting this hadeeth and others: 

“These are all to be interpreted as referring to things that are needed in order to live a settled life, and to that which offers protection against heat and cold.” 

Then he spoke of some people who gave the false impression that all kinds of building are sinful, and he commented on that by saying: 

“That is not the case, rather it is subject to further explanation. Not everyone who builds more than he needs is necessarily guilty of sin… in some cases, building may bring reward, such as something which benefits people other than the builder – this brings the builder reward. And Allaah knows best. 

Al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, hadeeth no. 2831.