Using the Upper storey of a Masjid as a Madrasah

Q: Masaajid and Madaaris-7 : What is the ruling concerning using the upper storey of the Masjid as a Madrasah since the area is almost always unoccupied?

Answer: Because the upper storey of the Masjid falls within the jurisdiction of the Masjid, it will need to be revered likewise and engaging in worldly talks there would be forbidden. It will therefore not be permissible to use the area specifically as a Madrasah. However. if the existing Madrasah is not large enough and, despite exerted efforts. no alternate premises can be found. It will be permissible to use the area as a Madrasah when it is feared that the education of the children will suffer if this course of action is not taken. However, care should be taken that elder and more understanding children use the area. Young children who are not particular about cleanliness and purity and who are unable to uphold the reverence of the Masjid should not be taught here. Such children would jeopardise the sanctity of the Masjid by making a noise and soiling the Masjid. Worldly matters should not be discussed here and noise and mischief should not be tolerated.

Furthermore, the classes should be conducted for a limited period of time each day and the solution should be a temporary one only. Classes should be transferred to an alternate venue as soon as it becomes available Rasulullaah SAW. has categorically stated, "Keep your children and insane ones away from the Masaajid. Jurists therefore state that it is Haraam to bring to the Masjid such children who may soil the Masjid with any impurity.

Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi RAH. has stated, "Jurists are unanimous that it is not permissible to take a salary to teach children the Qur'aan and other subjects in the Masjid. Some jurists have permitted doing so only for the reward and without taking a salary (as stated in Ashbaa). However, other jurists have declared this also to be impermissible because the Ahadeeth forbid children from entering the Masjid.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3