Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta: Praying in Mosques with Shrines is Valid, Permissible, and Recommended
Dar al-Ifta confirmed that praying in mosques containing shrines of saints is valid, permissible, and recommended based on Islamic evidence.
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta: Praying in Mosques with Shrines is Valid and Recommended
Question About Praying in Mosques Containing Shrines
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta received a question regarding the ruling on praying in mosques that include shrines of saints and righteous people. The institution confirmed that such prayers are valid, permissible, and even recommended according to Islamic teachings. It stated that the ruling is supported by the Quran, the Sunnah, the practice of the Companions, and the practical consensus of the Muslim community.
Explanation of the Hadith on Graves in Mosques
Dar al-Ifta clarified that the hadith stating: “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians; they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship” does not prohibit praying in such mosques.
Meaning of the Hadith
The meaning refers to worshipping graves or prostrating to them as idols, not merely having graves inside mosques. Other narrations clarify that the Prophet ﷺ prayed that his grave would not become an object of worship.
Evidence for Permissibility
Dar al-Ifta confirmed that praying in such mosques is valid and recommended, based on: The Holy Quran The Sunnah The practice of the Companions The practical consensus of Muslims
Quranic Evidence
The institution cited the verse: “We will surely take a place of worship over them.” (Al-Kahf 18:21) It explained that the verse mentions two viewpoints without condemnation, indicating legal acceptance in Islamic jurisprudence.
Final Ruling
Dar al-Ifta concluded that praying in mosques containing shrines is valid, permissible, and may even be recommended according to Islamic legal evidence.
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