Q: Many Masjids (mosques) in America are comprised of a hall for Salah (Prayer) and other rooms attached to it. Is it permissible to buy and sell in these rooms? Is it permissible to buy and sell, or to promote commodities and services in the area (Part No. 6; Page No. 283) dedicated for Salah?

A: It is impermissible to buy, sell, or promote commodities in the area dedicated for Salah if it is attached to the Masjid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, When you see someone buying or selling in the Masjid, say to them: 'May Allah not make your bargain profitable!' He (peace be upon him) also stated, If anyone hears a person announcing a lost item in the Masjid, they should say: 'May Allah not restore it to you.' As for other rooms, there is more than one ruling. If they are inside the walls of the Masjid, they take the same ruling as the Masjid. If they are outside the walls of the Masjid, even if they are adjacent to it, they do not take the same ruling, as the Prophet's house where `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) lived had its door adjacent to the Masjid; however, it did not carry the same ruling.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.