Endowment: Changing Intended Masjid to Educational Use Before Endowment Completion

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Endowment: Changing Intended Masjid to Educational Use Before Endowment Completion

English:

Question #1979:

I built a building in a village intending it to be used as a masjid. Since there are already two masjids in the village, it clearly doesn’t need another masjid. The village is in desperate need for a place of learning. It is to be noted, however, that neither an endowment deed has been concluded, nor a prayer performed at the premises as praying in a masjid. I am prepared to change my intention by placing the building at the disposal of the Education Department. What is the ruling in this matter?

Answer #1979:

Building the place with the intention of rendering it a masjid per se, without uttering the words to the effect of making it as endowment or without handing the building over to the worshippers to hold prayer there, is not sufficient to realise the endowment. Indeed, the property is actually still at the disposal of the landlord; he is, therefore, free to do with it whatever he wishes. Thus, there is no objection to giving possession of the building to the Education Department.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Endowments