BENEFIT: Who Should We Hand Our Masjids To?

A Warning to Donors and Benefactors: Be careful not to hand over masjids to people of innovation or to those seeking worldly gain 1⃣. Masjids are a great trust Dear donors, know that a masjid is not a social project, a place to gain influence, settle personal conflicts, or try out personal ideas. A masjid is the House of Allāh. Allāh says: “The masjids belong to Allāh, so do not call upon anyone besides Him.” No one should use the masjid for personal fame, spreading wrong ideas, or any type of corruption. 2⃣. Whoever gives control of a masjid to people of innovation is helping falsehood Some donors—without intending harm—give the management of the masjid, its funds, or its keys to people with wrong beliefs or worldly goals. These people then turn the masjid from a place of worship, knowledge, and remembrance into a place for: * advertising, * spreading wrong teachings, * collecting money, * promoting ideas against the Sunnah, * private meetings, * or tribal/party loyalty. This is helping in sin and wrongdoing. Allāh says: “Do not help one another in sin and aggression.” 3⃣. People of innovation harm masjids without people realising When people of wrong beliefs take charge of a masjid, they: * change proper religious knowledge, * push away people of Sunnah, * stop correct teachings, * bring doubtful books, * misuse donations, * spread teachings not from the Prophet ﷺ, * cause division and conflict. Ibn Sīrīn said: “This knowledge is religion, so look carefully from whom you take your religion.” If we must be careful about who teaches us, then how much more about who is given the keys to Allāh’s House? 4⃣. Using the masjid for worldly purposes is a sin Masjids were not built for: * sports, * tribal gatherings, * showing off influence, * personal relationships, * business, * promoting a tribe or a political party, * or events unrelated to worship. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If you see someone buying or selling in the masjid, say: May Allāh not bless your trade.” If buying and selling is forbidden, then what about someone who uses the masjid to promote his ideas, his innovations, his money interests, or his fame? That is even worse. 5⃣. Donors will be questioned about how they used their money The Prophet ﷺ said: “A person’s feet will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked… about his wealth—how he earned it and where he spent it.” So whoever puts masjid money in untrustworthy hands or gives control of a masjid to a person of innovation has: * betrayed the trust, * damaged the religious endowment (waqf), * helped in spreading fitnah, * and shared in the harm done. ✔ [Practical Advice] 1. Give control of the masjid only to someone who follows the Sunnah, has sound belief, and is known for righteousness. 2. Choose administrators who are honest and trustworthy—not just those with nice speech or fancy appearance. 3. Do not give donations in cash without supervision. Use records, receipts, and reports. Uncontrolled money leads to corruption. 4. Review the masjid regularly: Check the books, activities, lessons, spending, and who uses the masjid—and for what purpose. 5. Do not allow the masjid to become a centre for any worldly project. 6. Give clear advice to those running the masjid: “This is Allāh’s money. These are Allāh’s houses. This is a heavy trust. We do not accept the masjid being used except for obedience to Allāh alone.” Final Words People of goodness… You are doors to mercy—do not become (even unknowingly) doors to fitnah. You build masjids—do not accidentally build strongholds for innovation. You do good—do not let that good become a path to harm. Protect your masjids, your money, and your intentions. Only hand over the House of Allah to someone who respects it and understands its value. For when a masjid becomes corrupt, the whole neighbourhood becomes corrupt. Allāh says: “Only those who believe in Allāh should maintain the masjids of Allāh.”