KEPALA BATAS, 3 March 2018:
Muslims who pray at mosques built using haram (forbidden) funding sources – such as the lottery – will find their prayers are valid and will still gain pahala (rewards in the hereafter), said Penang mufti Datuk Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor.
He said performing prayers, be they Friday or obligatory, at such mosques is harus (optional).
“The haram part is only on building (the mosque)… Constructing a mosque from haram money is forbidden.
“The Penang Fatwa Committee has discussed (the matter) in its meetings from Dec 18 to 19 and decided that the prayers are valid and will be rewarded,” he told reporters after briefing Rantau Panjang Mosque committee members over the issue, near here yesterday.
The briefing and discussion on the matter was held following a complaint lodged by the committee over the doubts in performing prayers at the mosque.
However, Wan Salim said it is harus or optional to utilise the existing mosques built with haram sources.
“If anyone wishes to repent from such forbidden acts, then the money can be used for the benefit of Muslims such as building bridges, public toilets and donating to the poor.”
– Bernama