How is it to sell and purchase the old mats of Masjid?

Darulifta Ahlesunnat

(Dawateislami)

Question

What do the Islamic scholars and respected Muftis of Shari’ah say about the following issue: An influential personality donated new mats to our Masjid a few days ago. The old mats were kept in the Masjid storeroom. Those old mats are no longer needed for the Masjid and cannot even be used elsewhere in the Masjid in the future because they are torn away from many places. Therefore, if they remain lying, there is a risk of them being damaged further. A person wants to purchase those mats. Please give us Shar’i guidance, stating that how is it to sell and how is it for that person to buy those mats? It should be kept in mind that those mats were purchased with the Masjid donations.

بِسْمِ اللہِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ

اَلْجَوَابُ بِعَوْنِ الْمَلِکِ الْوَھَّابِ اَللّٰھُمَّ ھِدَایَۃَ الْحَقِّ وَالصَّوَابِ

In the situation mentioned in the question, it is permissible by Shari’ah to sell the above-mentioned mats for the Masjid as per its market value and for anyone to buy them (is also permissible). However, the buyer should avoid using these mats at a disrespectful place. Here is its detail: The things which were purchased with the Masjid money but are in excess of Masjid needs for the time being, and cannot also be used for Masjid in future, or can be used later but there is risk of them going to waste because of remaining lying until the time of need arrives, then it is permissible to sell them at market value. When it is permissible to sell them, it is also permissible for others to purchase them.

وَاللہُ اَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَرَسُوْلُہ اَعْلَم صَلَّی اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم

Answered by:Mufti Muhammad Qasim Attari