Question:

What do the scholars and experts of religions say regarding the question a masjid management member has asked me for which they would like a written response. Approximately fifty years ago, the entire building was designated as a masjid. Is it permissible to remove the masjid designation from a portion of the building and redesignate it for women’s classes and related activities? Can it be converted to a ladies’ activities hall?

Answer:

If a building, or a specific part of it, is formally designated as a masjid and dedicated as a waqf for the sake of Allah ﷻ, then according to Islamic jurisprudence it normally retains the legal status of a masjid permanently. Once prayer is established in a place designated as a masjid, the property ceases to be private ownership and becomes dedicated exclusively for the worship of Allah ﷻ. Allah ﷻ says: “And the mosques belong to Allah, so do not call upon anyone along with Allah.” (72:18) This verse establishes that places designated as mosques are dedicated solely to the worship of Allah and carry a sacred legal status.

The jurists of the Hanafi school explain that once land is dedicated as a masjid and people begin praying in it, it becomes a binding waqf and cannot normally be returned to private use. This principle is clearly stated in classical works such as Al-Hidayah, where it is explained that a mosque, once established, is no longer the property of individuals but becomes devoted to Allah’s ﷻ worship. However, Islamic law also recognises that necessity and public welfare can require flexibility in the application of legal rulings. One of the well-known legal maxims states: “Necessities render prohibited matters permissible.” (al-ḍarūrāt tubīḥ al-maḥẓūrāt). Another important legal maxim states: “Hardship brings about facilitation.” (al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysīr).

Likewise, the juristic principle of public interest (maṣlaḥah) allows adjustments where the objectives of the Shariah are better served. In this case, the purpose of the mosque is not being abandoned. Rather, the space is being reorganised so that Muslim women can benefit from prayer, learning, and community life. This is fully consistent with the objectives of the mosque in Islam.

The Sunnah clearly demonstrates that women were an integral part of the Prophet’s ﷺ mosque community. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from attending the mosques of Allah.” (Bukhari & Muslim) In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ allocated specific access and opportunities for women in the mosque, and many women regularly attended prayers and learning circles in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah. Scholars note that women sometimes constituted a third of the congregation. Therefore, creating appropriate and functional space for women’s learning and participation is consistent with the Prophetic model of the mosque as a centre of worship, knowledge, and community life.

Furthermore, we must recognise that Muslims living in minority contexts, such as in Britain and other non-Muslim countries, often establish mosques in converted buildings rather than purpose-built structures. Fifty years ago, I remember in the seventies and eighties communities frequently dedicated entire buildings as masjids due to limited resources and smaller congregations. Over time, the needs of the community evolve particularly the growing participation of Muslim women, youth, and families. Contemporary jurists recognise that legal rulings developed in different historical and geographical contexts may require contextual application when Muslims live as minorities (fiqh al-aqalliyyāt). In such circumstances, mosque management may reorganise internal spaces to serve the broader objectives of worship, education, and community development. Since the proposed change still preserves the essential purpose of the waqf namely worship, Islamic learning, and community benefit it does not violate the spirit of the original dedication.

Our conclusion after consulting four Muftis of British in light of the juristic principle of necessity, the maxim that hardship necessitates facilitation, the objectives of the mosque in Islam, the Prophetic encouragement of women’s participation in mosque life, and the realities of Muslim minority communities, it is permissible for the mosque management to redesignate a portion of the building for women’s activities, classes, or a women’s prayer space, provided that the mosque continues to function primarily as a place of worship and Islamic learning. This arrangement fulfils the higher objectives of the waqf and strengthens the participation of Muslim women in religious life. Encouraging our mothers and daughters to attend the mosque for prayer and learning reflects the Prophetic Sunnah and is a positive development for the community. Indeed, future mosque designs should consciously include adequate space for women’s participation.

And Allah knows best.

Consultant Muftis:
Mufti Yar Muhammad Qadri
Mufti Rasul Baksh Saeedi
Prof Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari
Dr Mufti Munir Al-Azhari