Non-Muslims are allowed to attend lectures or meetings in Mosques. As these meetings may help them accept Islam through knowing what it advocates. But it is important that they preserve Mosques sanctity

Non-Muslims in Mosques

Similar Questions

• Non-Muslims attending lectures and meetings held in mosques;

• Inviting non-Muslims to come to the mosque.

The Issue

What is the ruling concerning the admittance of non-Muslims into mosques, for example to attend a lecture or a meeting, or to participate in a debate, in a minority Muslim country?

Ruling

It is permissible for non-Muslims to come into mosques when something of benefit may result from such attendance, such as participating in meetings or listening to what Islam advocates, which may encourage them to accept Islam. It is important, however, that the sanctity of the mosque is preserved and that there is no disturbance of worshippers.

This view is endorsed by the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America and the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa.[1]

Evidence

Thumamah ibn Athal was taken captive and the Prophet kept him in the mosque. When he was released, he embraced Islam. (Related by al-Bukhari, hadith No. 462; Muslim, hadith No. 1,764)

The normal ruling is that the entry of non-Muslims into the mosque is permissible and there is nothing to suggest that it is not.

Sometimes there is need for admitting such people into mosques, for example they may listen to something that inclines them to accept Islam or they may need to have a drink of water, which is available in mosques.

Sources

• Decisions of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.

• Fatawa by the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa.

• Mut’ib al-Qahtani (ed.), Is'af al-Mughtaribin bi Fatawa al-'Ulama’ al-Rabbaniyyin.