The importance of donating towards building mosques
Mosques are the secure houses of Allah and a sanctuary for believers to find tranquility and peace. Within their walls, the remembrance of Allah abounds, and people find the light of guidance, making mosques the most beautiful places for worship and increasing piety. Moreover, Allah has promised the builder of a mosque a house in Paradise, along with multiplied rewards and blessings that continue even after death.
Therefore, we present to you this article to explore the benefits and virtues of building a mosque, the conditions for construction, and how you can donate to mosque projects through the trusted El-Wefaa Association.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Building Mosques
Building mosques brings immense reward and several benefits, which we mention below:
Building mosques is considered an ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) with great reward; it is an act of righteousness that brings the doer closer to the Great Creator.
It is a means of entering Paradise, evidenced by Allah’s promise of a house in Paradise for whoever builds a mosque.
Building mosques means establishing a place for worshipping Allah, teaching Sharia sciences, and memorizing the Quran.
It strengthens social bonds and relationships among Muslims.
It enhances values of mercy, affection, and solidarity among Muslims.
Building mosques is a testament to the sincerity of faith in Allah Almighty.
It helps spread the foundations and values of the religion, thereby increasing awareness in impoverished areas.
The Importance of the Mosque in Islam
The importance of the mosque in Islam lies in several aspects, including:
A house of worship, for supplication to Allah, and performing the five daily prayers.
A center for education, teaching, and resolving the affairs of Muslims.
A hub for spreading awareness and building a psychologically and educationally sound personality, strengthening community ties.
A means to defend the Islamic nation by forming a shield of social and spiritual awareness.
The Main Goal of Building a Mosque
The primary goal of building a mosque is the worship of the One God and the establishment of the five prayers. Other key objectives include:
Remembrance, glorification, and affirmation of the Oneness of Allah; it is the believers' safe haven for worship.
Building a fortified personality for Muslims adorned with noble values and morals.
Strengthening bonds of love and brotherhood among Muslims and fostering reconciliation.
Spreading beneficial knowledge and Islamic Sharia sciences among Muslims.
Helping the poor and meeting their needs through social and charitable activities held at the mosque.
Reward for Building a Mosque in Islam
There is a vast reward for building a mosque in Islam; here is its virtue:
An ongoing charity whose reward continues even after the donor passes away.
Multiplied rewards for everyone who participates in or contributes to the construction process.
Whoever builds a mosque earns a house in Paradise, as promised by the Prophet: "Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."
It raises the status of the believer because building a mosque is considered a great work.
It increases good deeds and erases sins and transgressions.
Building Mosques in the Qur’an
Building mosques is one of the greatest acts associated with faith. Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah: {The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day}.
The virtue of building and maintaining mosques is emphasized in the verse: {[Such niches are] in houses which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings * [Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah...}.
A verse also confirms the virtue of building the Quba Mosque, establishing piety as the foundation for building mosques: {Then is one who laid the foundation of his building on righteousness [fear] from Allah and [seeking] His approval better or one who laid the foundation of his building on the edge of a bank about to collapse...}.
Mosques are places of worship and remembrance: {And [He revealed] that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone} [Al-Jinn: 18].
Building Mosques in the Hadith and Sunnah
The Prophetic Sunnah emphasized in many Hadiths the importance of building mosques as an ongoing charity. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Among the things that follow a believer after his death are: knowledge he taught and spread, a righteous child he left behind, a Mushaf he bequeathed, a mosque he built, a house for travelers he built, a river he made flow, or charity he gave from his wealth while healthy and alive..."
It also pointed to the necessity of cleaning and maintaining mosques. When a person who used to clean the mosque passed away, the Prophet (PBUH) asked to be shown their grave to pray over them, highlighting the high status of serving the house of Allah.
Building a mosque is a cause for entering Paradise: "Whoever builds a mosque seeking the face of Allah, Allah will build for him the like of it in Paradise."
Building a Mosque as Ongoing Charity
Building a house of Allah or participating in its construction is one of the greatest ongoing charities. Contributions can also take the form of maintenance, renovation, or providing furniture. The benefits include:
A house in Paradise for the builder.
Multiplied rewards and blessings.
Reward reaching the donor in their grave for every remembrance and prayer performed in the mosque.
Conditions for Building a Mosque
There are several religious and legal conditions to be met when building a mosque:
The intention must be purely for the sake of Allah.
Mosques should not be built over graves.
The site chosen must be clean and pure (Tahir).
Land Ownership
It is required that the land be legally and religiously registered and not taken from anyone. The following must be adhered to:
Providing a final title deed for the land.
Acknowledging the waiver of the land as an endowment (Waqf) for the mosque.
Obtaining approval from urban planning and avoiding state-owned or agricultural lands.
Securing a documented waiver certified by an engineering office.
Mosque Facilities
Important facilities that should be included in a mosque construction:
Restrooms for both men and women.
Dedicated areas for ablution (Wudu).
Housing for the Imam and the Mu'adhin.
Dedicated parking spaces.
A protective fence or perimeter.
Space for health or cultural activities.
Types of Donations for Mosques
Donations for mosques include several types:
Contributing to Construction
Financial donations to charities that handle construction, such as El-Wefaa, which accepts direct electronic donations or bank transfers.
In-kind donations such as construction materials (steel, cement, etc.).
Donating real estate (Waqf).
Partial contribution through a "shares" system.
Enriching the Mosque Library
Providing copies of the Quran (Mus-hafs) and educational books for children.
Digital donations like educational screens or e-readers.
Mosque Furniture and Furnishings
Carpets, air conditioning, water coolers, and sound systems.
Maintenance and cleaning supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the virtue of building and maintaining mosques?
Whoever builds a mosque, Allah builds for them a house in Paradise. It is a sign of sincere faith and provides a lasting reward.
Does placing water in a mosque count as charity?
Yes, providing water in a mosque is an ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) that serves and benefits the worshippers.
Are mosques the houses of Allah?
Yes, mosques are the houses of Allah on earth, dedicated to His remembrance and worship.
