What is the ruling on one who placed an air conditioner in a mosque, or a refrigerator, or something similar, and then it was damaged or its utility became minimal? Is it permissible to sell it and use its value for something else?
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The questioner : He says: What is the ruling on one who placed an air conditioner in a mosque, or a refrigerator, or something similar, and then it was damaged or its utility became minimal? Is it permissible to sell it and use its value for something else?
The Shaykh : Yes, if the air conditioner or refrigerator is damaged or its utility is diminished, it is permissible to sell it to buy something better. However, selling it without replacing it is not permissible as long as it can still be used. But if it is replaced with a new one, even though the first one is still usable, albeit with diminished utility, does the first one receive reward from this new one or not? The answer is: Yes, it receives reward. It receives reward from this new one to the extent that the first one could be used. For example, if we estimate that this refrigerator—meaning this cooler—will last for two years, but its current utility is minimal, and we bring a new cooler that is better than it, then the period of two years during which it could be used, its reward belongs to the first one. And the second one certainly has reward. Yes.
The questioner : He says: I was performing Hajj, and my intention was Hajj Tamattu'. A fire broke out, and my belongings and money were in the tent, so I did not offer the expiation. Do I owe anything?
The Shaykh : And what did he do? Did he fast?
The Shaykh : Yes, if the air conditioner or refrigerator is damaged or its utility is diminished, it is permissible to sell it to buy something better. However, selling it without replacing it is not permissible as long as it can still be used. But if it is replaced with a new one, even though the first one is still usable, albeit with diminished utility, does the first one receive reward from this new one or not? The answer is: Yes, it receives reward. It receives reward from this new one to the extent that the first one could be used. For example, if we estimate that this refrigerator—meaning this cooler—will last for two years, but its current utility is minimal, and we bring a new cooler that is better than it, then the period of two years during which it could be used, its reward belongs to the first one. And the second one certainly has reward. Yes.
The questioner : He says: I was performing Hajj, and my intention was Hajj Tamattu'. A fire broke out, and my belongings and money were in the tent, so I did not offer the expiation. Do I owe anything?
The Shaykh : And what did he do? Did he fast?