Q: Under what conditions can a musjid be shut down or closed?
A: A musjid may not be shut down or closed under any circumstances. Almighty Allah warns in Surah Baqara, verse 114: AND WHO IS MORE OPPRESSIVE THAN HE WHO PREVENTS PEOPLE FROM THE MASAAJID OF ALLAH, FROM TAKING HIS NAME THEREIN, AND THEY STRIVE TO RUIN IT;” In this verse ‘prevention of people from the Musjid’ includes locking up or closing down the musjid so that the local people are unable to offer salaah therein. This is grievous sin in the Sight of Allah.
Mufti Siraj Desai