Q 1: Is it permissible to perform Salah (Prayer) in a Masjid (mosque) where Sufi circles of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) are held? Q 2: There are two Masjids in our village. Sufi circles of Dhikr are held in one of them while the other contains the grave of a Waliy (pious person) whom they commemorate his Mawlid (birthday) every year. This Masjid was built over the graveyard of the village. Is it permissible to offer Salah in it? (Part No. 5; Page No. 254

A 1: There is nothing wrong with offering Salah in the Masjid where Sufi circles are held. However, you should express disapproval of their action and try to prevent these circles from being held, any way possible. Yet, this does not prevent holding congregational Salah in this Masjid. A 2: It is invalid to offer Salah in a Masjid containing a grave. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited taking graves as Masjids. The prohibition denotes invalidity. Moreover, it is a means to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) committed by taking the occupants of the graves as partners with Allah. The same applies to the Masjid built over graves. It is obligatory on the people of this village to find a Masjid in a land that has no graves to offer congregational Salah as Allah has ordained. They should also cooperate in righteousness and piety and be careful of Shirk and the means leading to it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.