What is the ruling on surplus materials from a mosque's construction or renovation?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Endowments (Awqaf) and Donations

Book 27 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If materials such as oil for lighting, reeds, or dismantled parts remain after completing a mosque and are not needed, it is permissible to transfer them to another mosque or to give them as charity to the poor neighbors or others. Imam Ahmad stated that leftover wood, reeds, or debris from a built mosque should be used to help another mosque. Al-Marwadhi reported that Imam Ahmad advised that surplus prayer mats (bawari) or timbers should be given as charity, citing as evidence the practice of giving away worn-out coverings of the Kaaba for charity. It is also narrated that Shaybah ibn 'Uthman used to give away old coverings of the Kaaba. The established practice regarding the Kaaba coverings, exemplified by the instruction of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to Shaybah, indicates that the proceeds from selling old Kaaba coverings should be spent in the cause of Allah and for the poor. Since the surplus mosque material is considered property of Allah (mal Allah) for which the intended purpose has ceased, it should be directed towards the needy, similar to a discontinued endowment (waqf).