Conducting business in the Wudhu area of the Masjid

Question:-

In our local Masjid, they have an Islamic shop which is located in the Wudhu Khana, near the Sahn area. Is this permissible?

Answer:-

It is not permissible to have a book shop in the Wudhu Khana of the Masjid, near the Sahn area. It is recorded in Fataawa Mahmoodiyya that the area which has been made Waqf as Masjid for performing Salaah, cannot be utilized for any other purpose, as this will be considered as going against the objective of the donor (Waaqif). [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah Pg.553 Vol.14 Farooqiyyah] Similarly, the Wudhu Khana has been erected and built with the sole objective of performing Wudhu. Using it for any other purpose will be going against the desire of the Waaqif hence, it will not be permissible.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 26 Shawwal 1444 / 17 May 2023