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Performing rituals of non-Muslims in a mosque is impermissible

Question

Is it permissible to perform the Christian prayer or Mass in an Islamic mosque? What is the evidence for this? Please answer us. May Allaah reward you!

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

It is not permissible to enable Christians or any other non-Muslim people to perform their prayers or rituals in a mosque. This is because their prayer includes Shirk and associating others with Allaah The Almighty in worship and this is one of the greatest sins that should neither be approved nor tolerated.

Rather, how can they be performed in the Houses of Allaah The Almighty in which He Enjoined mentioning His Name and that they should be exclusively for Allaah The Almighty Alone?

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

  • {And [He revealed] that the Masjids (Mosques) are for Allaah , so do not invoke with Allaah anyone.} [Quran 72: 18]
  • {[Such niches are] in mosques which Allaah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein.} [Quran 24: 36]
  • {Purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf (circumambulation the Ka‘bah) and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."} [Quran 2: 125]

Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, commanded the purification of the Ka‘bah, and the area surrounding it from the idols and preventing non-Muslims from circumambulating it. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, commanded someone to announce that “after this year, no polytheist will perform Hajj and no one will circumambulate the House naked.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Allaah Knows best.

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