The Ruling on Building Domes over Mosques and Adorning Them

Question:
Is it permissible to build domes over the most eloquent of homes and mosques for the sake of adornment and beauty, or is it not? And is it considered a means to shirk (associating partners with Allah)?

Answer:
No, there is no harm in building a mosque in any shape, whether domed or flat; there is no prohibition in this. What is forbidden is building over graves. If there is a grave, building over graves is forbidden; that is what is forbidden, whether one builds a dome, a room, or anything else. As for building a mosque that is free of graves for worship, prayer, and tawhid (the oneness of Allah), it may be built in any suitable shape, whether domed, flat, a hut, tiled, or anything else. The important thing is that it serves the people by sheltering them from the sun and protecting them from the cold and rain, in any shape. However, exaggeration in the decoration of mosques is disliked (makruh). Exaggeration in the decoration of mosques is disliked, and placing engravings and inscriptions in them is also disliked, because it distracts the worshippers, and because it is ostentation and innovation that is not permissible.
Yes, if there is a need to install loudspeakers, there is no harm; this is dependent on the need. If there is a need for this, it is permissible. Installing a screened enclosure for the ruler to pray in, if he has a fear for the sake of maintaining order, is also permissible; there is no harm in this. That is all; there is no harm, it does not contradict [the rules]. I say there is no harm in it. Rather, he should pray in the row.