Is it permissible to perform prayer in a clean church (Kneesa)?
Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible to perform the prescribed prayer in a clean church. This view is endorsed by Al-Hasan, 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, Al-Sha'bi, Al-Awza'i, and Sa'id ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz. It is also narrated from 'Umar and Abu Musa. The evidence supporting this permissibility is that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed inside the Ka'bah while it contained images. Furthermore, the general ruling applies: wherever the time for prayer finds you, pray, for the entire earth is made a place of prostration (masjid).
Supporting text
The performance of prayer in churches is disliked by Ibn 'Abbas and Malik due to the presence of images (suwar) within them.