Disposing of a land dedicated for a Masjid

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Q: If a person creates a Waqf (endowment) of a piece of land in the name of a Masjid (mosque) is it permissible to build houses or rental stores on this land or not?

A: If a person creates a Waqf of a piece of land in the name of a Masjid, it is permissible to build houses on it ancillary to the Masjid to accommodate the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer), the Mu’adhin (caller to Prayer), and the servant of the Masjid; or to rent them and use the income to repair the Masjid and provide for its other needs. It is also permissible to build stores to be rented and to use the income to maintain the Masjid, such as to pay the salaries of the employees, to repair and furnish the Masjid, or meet its other needs. (Part No. 16; Page No. 57) This may be done, provided it does not spoil the purpose intended to be served by building the Masjid, such as narrowing down the space provided for those offering Salah (Prayer) and similar inconveniences. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.