The Ruling on Exaggeration in Building Mosques

Question:
One of the brothers says: A mosque was built in al-Ahsa that cost thirty-five million riyals, decorated with gold worth three million riyals. What is the ruling on this in Islam? And what is the official position regarding this action?

Answer:
You heard the question. It says: A mosque in al-Ahsa was built for thirty-five million, and it contains three million worth of gold. If the questioner’s statement is correct, this is an error. There is no doubt that it is not permissible to be extravagant in building mosques, nor to use decorations that waste money and harm the worshippers. Why put in gold? Why put in gold? With the gold, other mosques could be built. If this report is true, this is one of the errors. We will investigate the matter in truth. This is an abomination, and it is not permissible to remain silent about it.
There is no doubt that this is an abomination. People need mosques in many neighborhoods. We need them, as do others. We struggle to find someone to build mosques. When will we find a wealthy, rich person who will undertake building a mosque? How can money be spent like this? It is absolutely not permissible. Rather, it is obligatory to be economical in building mosques and to care for their strength and safety so that they do not harm the worshippers. As for decorations, that is not allowed.
And 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when he ordered the construction of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) mosque, said: and he ordered that it be built with a strong, sound structure that does not harm the Muslims. However, if it is built with precision and craftsmanship, there is no harm in using stone, or it may contain plaster, or cement. But as for decorations and engravings that distract the worshippers, or those made of gold, silver, or other valuable metals, all of this is not permissible and has no basis. It is only to be built with stone, cement, clay, or wood, and there is no harm in that. As for going beyond that with distracting engravings, the least of its states is that it is disliked.
As for the presence of gold and silver, there is no justification for it. Rather, it is forbidden and an abomination. Any wealth spent in this manner without a legitimate reason is extravagance and a waste of money. It is obligatory to remove it and spend it on other mosques and in lawful deeds that benefit the Muslims. There is no doubt that if this is the case, it is ignorance on the part of its owner and an error on his part. We ask Allah for his guidance, and he will be directed to good, if Allah wills.