Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa barkatuh,
In Ramadan time we can clearly see the value of building Masjids and the impact it has within our society. InshaAllah this is just a short article I wish to write in order to motivate each and everyone to assist with Masjids in whatever way possible, whether it be through your wealth, actions or du’a.
Any good in this is from Allah and any mistakes or contradictions are from Shaytan and my own weakness in knowledge.
Benefits of Building Masjids
1. Remembrance of Allah: Masjid is where Allah (subhana wa tala) is glorified, praised and remembered. If this would have been the only benefit, it would have been sufficient for us to strive to build more and more Masjids.
“In houses (mosques), which Allâh has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is glorified in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings, Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from the Remembrance of Allâh (with heart and tongue), nor from performing AsSalât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), nor from giving the Zakât. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (from the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection). That Allâh may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace. And Allâh provides without measure to whom He wills.” (An Nur 36-38)
2. Ongoing Charity - Sadaqa Tu Jariya: Donating to a Masjid, is an ongoing charity which continues even after a person dies and his/her book of deeds are closed. Even if you spend one Dollar towards a Masjid, InshaAllah that will count as an ongoing charity.
Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who will pray for him.” Narrated by Muslim, 3084.
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The good deeds that will reach a believer after his death are: knowledge which he learned and then spread; a righteous son whom he leaves behind; a copy of the Qur’aan that he leaves as a legacy; a mosque that he built; a house that he built for wayfarers; a canal that he dug; or charity that he gave during his lifetime when he was in good health. These deeds will reach him after his death.” Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
3. House in Jannah: Is there anything else we need? Where are the investors?
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whosoever builds for Allah a masjid, Allah will reward him similar to it in paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
In another narration, "Whosoever shares in building a masjid for Allah, even if it is as small as a bird’s nest, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise." (Ahmad)
4. Da’wah & Naseeha: Having the mere presence of a Masjid is a way of inviting to Islam. Allah (subhana wa tala) guides many Non-Muslims to Islam by them wandering into the Masjid and asking about Islam. How many of the youth have left corruption and have come to the Masjid? Instead of consuming drugs and alcohol they are volunteering for a Masjid. Instead of spending time with girlfriends and boyfriends they are memorizing Al Qur’an. Instead of vandalizing property they are reading about the Seerah of the Prophet (saws). The benefits of a Masjid to a neighborhood are tremendous.
5. Counseling: Instead of spending thousands in organizations counseling just to earn a profit, an Imam is available for assistance to a community. Best of all he is not using some contemporary book where the author himself is having problems, he uses a book which has no contradictions and which is A Clear Guidance to all of mankind.
6. Knowledge: Masjid is a source of knowledge. Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon the believers. Also, look at how many children are benefiting from going to the Masjid and seeking knowledge. Who knows which child might be the next scholar of the Ummah and imagine if you had a hand in helping that child, by helping in establishing the Masjid.
“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” [Fatir 35:28]
“Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ It is only men of understanding who will remember.” [Az-Zumar 39:9]
“Whenever Allah desires good for a person He grants him the understanding of the religion.” [Bukhari]
"Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj." [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]
7. Unite the Community and Encourage brotherhood: Establishes large gatherings of Muslims. Just look how everyone breaks their fast together in Ramadan at the Masjid, does this not encourage brotherhood?
These are just “some” of the benefits of building a Masjid. There are several Masjids that need your assistance RIGHT NOW!! Below are some links for Masjids within Canada. What better time to give than in the month of Ramadan. I ask Allah to accept our deeds and forgive us for our shortcomings. Please forgive me for any mistakes in this email and remember me in your dua’.
JazakAllahukhayran,
Fares Elahi
http://www.oshawamosque.com/
http://www.ummahmasjid.ca/en/donatecontact
http://www.daruliman.org/
http://www.pickeringislamiccentre.com/
http://www.salaheddin.org/
http://www.abuhuraira.org/
http://www.danforthcommunitycenter.org/
