Using Masjid Amenities For Personal Benefit

Question: May Allah reward you with goodness. What is the ruling on using things that have been designated for the use of the masjid, such as electricity and similar things? Sheikh Sulayman Ar-Ruhayli hafidhahullah: The masjid is a waqf, and it is not permissible to use the masjid or anything within it except for the purpose for which it was endowed. The electricity is charged to the masjid and has a cost attached to it. Therefore, the basic principle is that it is not permissible to use anything belonging to the masjid in a way that falls outside the purpose for which it was endowed, unless this has become an established custom and the person responsible for the masjid does not object to it, or the person responsible for the masjid gives permission. For example, the Qur’an stands in the masjid are endowed for the purpose of placing the Qur’an on them. They are not there for you to use as a pillow and sleep on, nor to use as a way of reserving a place for yourself. However, if it is customary for people to lean against them, without damaging them or anything similar, and the person responsible for the masjid does not prohibit this, then it is permissible. Likewise, it is permissible if the person responsible for the masjid explicitly gives permission. Is it permissible for me to charge my phone using the masjid's electricity? The basic principle is that it is not permissible, unless it has become an established and widespread custom, and the person responsible for the masjid does not prohibit it. But for someone to plug his phone in while another person stands watching to make sure nobody catches him and unplugs it—that is not permissible. That is not permissible. Some people consider this clever or smart behaviour, but this is haram. In fact, this is more serious than taking from someone's private property, because this property is dedicated as a means of drawing closer to Allah and benefiting the Muslims. Therefore, it is not permissible to use it except for the purpose for which it was endowed. Source: https://t.me/masjidsahabah/2390