Q: We live in the Philippines. It is well known that it is a Christian country. Currently, the government is building some Masjids (mosques) in the Muslim territories. Is it permissible to acknowledge these Masjids built by the government while we have the financial ability to build them even if their roofs are from the leaves of trees. It should be mentioned here that the government of Marcus is currently seeking to please Muslims to end their opposition against the government. We do not know the source of these aids, if they are really from the government or from our Muslim brothers outside the Philippines. Could you kindly enlighten us in this regard?

A: It is well known that rights whether financial, physical, or moral are shared between the governments and the people. If the fact is as you have mentioned that your government is Christian, and that it established some Masjids in the Islamic territories, (Part No. 6; Page No. 262)  then it fulfills its duties toward its citizens. It achieves their wishes and facilitates the public religious or civil utilities in return for the rights they fulfill toward the country and the gains it receives from the types of interests and benefits. Accordingly, there is no harm for you to acknowledge these Masjids which the country has constructed for you as a duty that it should fulfill to you without having an upper hand over you or ask for compensation in return. But you should acknowledge these Masjids and ask for the construction of more Masjids and Islamic schools without being shy to ask for your religious and worldly rights regardless of the material and moral benefits you receive.O Muslims, you have to co-operate between one another to establish other utilities such as Masjids, Islamic schools and all that you need taking into consideration that these Masjids and schools built by the government should be under the patronage of Muslims only in order that they may not invent something that may contradict the Shari`ah (Islamic law). Allah (Exalted be He) says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety) As for the money spent by the country, it is not obligatory to know their sources because there is no evidence of this. (Part No. 6; Page No. 263) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.