Some of the brothers who have wealth build large mosques in their countries, which cost many thousands, and it may be in an area that already has many mosques, while

The questioner : Some of the brothers who have wealth build large mosques in their countries, which cost many thousands, and it may be in an area that already has many mosques, while many Islamic countries are in need of building mosques, and with the cost of this large mosque, dozens of mosques could be built in Islamic countries, but as I believe, they prefer building in their own countries over others. Is this part of Islam? And is there any advice for them, O honorable Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Building mosques is among the best things in which wealth is spent, because mosques are the houses of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) so they are the place of His worship, the establishment of prayer, and the teaching of knowledge. For this reason, it is established in the authentic hadith of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him): And spending wealth in them is among the best deeds, and its reward is continuous, day and night, as long as Muslims benefit from them. It is better than many of the bequests that people make regarding sacrificial animals and the like, because the benefit of sacrificial animals is only at a specific, designated time, and it is also limited to the deceased's family and a small group who benefit from it. Unlike building mosques, which is broader in benefit, more comprehensive, greater, and further removed from the disputes that arise among relatives due to these endowments made for sacrificial animals and the like. For this reason, we always advise those who consult us about their bequests to make them for mosques and the like, which has no connection to relatives, so that disputes and enmity do not arise between them because of this trivial matter. And if mosques are a means of drawing near to Allah, then the more beneficial and comprehensive they are, the better. The people who used to build and erect many mosques, spending vast sums of money, and perhaps the neighborhoods were not in need of them, while they left places where Muslims are in need of these mosques—they are on their intention, and we do not speak about their intentions. But we say: It is better that they not exaggerate in erecting these mosques to the point of extravagance, arrogance, and showing off, because this is contrary to the Sunnah. And the simpler the mosque is, the more conducive it is to humility, as is experienced. We also tell them that if the neighborhoods are not in need of the mosque, then building the mosque becomes a harm that causes Muslims to disperse. The scholars have mentioned that if a mosque is harmful by its proximity, meaning it harms a mosque near it, then it is considered a mosque of harm and must be demolished. We also say, as the questioner mentioned, that in the lands of Muslims, especially the poor ones, there are places in need of building mosques, and perhaps the cost of this mosque could build several mosques that benefit Muslims. And as long as the man seeks the face of Allah with the mosques he builds in his country, the more beneficial the mosques are in any of the lands of the Muslims, the more preferable and better their construction is.

The questioner : This is a message received from listener Muhammad Kheir from Syria, who says in his message.