Buying a church to turn it into a Masjid

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Q: A group of Muslims live in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States of America. These people would like to build a Masjid (mosque) for people to offer Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer and the five obligatory daily prayers. Since there is a church that is offered for sale, is it permissible for them to purchase it to turn it into a Masjid after they remove the crosses as well as all the images whether hung or engraved on the walls?

A: Yes, it is permissible to purchase a church and turn it into a Masjid. All crosses and images hung or engraved on the walls as well as anything that might indicate that it was a church must be removed. As far as we know, there is no harm in purchasing a church for the mentioned purpose.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.