What is the ruling regarding usurpation (ghasb) that invalidates the prayer in a location?

Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 8

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The ruling of invalidity applies whether the usurpation concerns the essential property (raqabah) of the land by physical seizure or by falsely claiming ownership. It also applies if the usurpation concerns the usufruct (manafi') of the land, such as unjustly claiming tenancy, establishing physical encroachment like a balcony (roshn) or arcade (sabāt), usurping a riding animal to pray upon, a ship to pray within, or a plank placed on a ship for prayer upon. All these instances are judged regarding the prayer in the same manner as usurping a dwelling house.