Resolution No.(244) (13/2017):
"A Masjid should be Restricted as such"
Date: 20/Safar/1439 AH, corresponding to 9/11/2017
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
During its twelfth session held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed the letter sent by the Manager of Awqaf of Balqa Governorate requesting using Um Jawza Old Msjid as a Cultural Forum. Could you kindly clarify the ruling of Sharia on renovating, using and leasing that Masjid to the Cultural Directorate of Salt, taking into consideration the fact that it has been closed for more than twenty five years.
After deliberating the above question, the Board reached the following view:
According to Sharia, a Masjid is an Islamic endowment (Waqf) that may not be used for a purpose other than that for which it was endowed in the first place, whether a particular person had made it a Waqf or it became such for being used by people as Masjid. Based on the fact that it was proven to be a Masjid, it may not be changed into something else; rather, it should remain as such, and should be maintained and preserved for offering prayers. However, it may be used for a purpose close to that of Masjid, such as teaching Quran and Religious Sciences. But, turning it into a cultural forum isn`t permissible; particularly since Article (1239) of the Jordanian Civil Code states: "It isn`t permissible to change a Masjid into something else nor change the use of whatever was endowed to serve that Masjid in the first place." And Allah Knows Best.
Chair of Iftaa` Board
Grand Mufti of Jordan, Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh
Vice chair of Iftaa` Board, Sheikh AbdulKareem al-Khasawneh
Prof. Abdulnaser abulBasal, Member Prof. Abdullah al-Fawaz/ Member
Judge Khalid Woraikat,Member Dr. Mohammad Khair al-Esa, Member
Dr. Majid Darawsheh, Member Sheikh Sa`eid Hijjawi, Member
Dr. Ahmad al-Hasanat, Member Dr. Mohammad al-Zo`bi, Memebr