Masjid-e-Kabeer
Question
Due to space limitations, a Masjid has of several floors. If each of the floors are measured individually, none of them would meet the requirements of Masjid-e-Kabeer. The combined area of all the floors however, equates to the requirment of Masjid-e-Kabeer.
Should we consider the total area of all the floors or will each floor be considered seperately?
Answer
A Masjid-e-Kabeer is defined as a Masjid with a ground floor area of 334,45 square meters or more. To qualify as a Masjid-e-Kabeer, the ground floor area alone must meet or exceed this measurement. If the total area of the Masjid, including the courtyard (Sehn), is 334,45 square meters or more, it is classified as a Masjid-e-Kabeer, and the laws Masjid-e-Kabeer will apply. The Sehn (courtyard), when enclosed within the Masjid’s perimeter, is included in the total area calculation.
Masjids are categorized into two main types based on their size: Masjid-e-Kabeer (large Masjid) and Masjid-e-Sagheer (small Masjid). A Masjid-e-Kabeer has a ground floor area of 334,45 square meters or more, including the Sehn. For instance, if a Masjid’s total area, including the Sehn, reaches 334,45 or more square meters, it is considered a Masjid-e-Kabeer, and the regulations for Masjid-e-kabeer will apply. In contrast, a Masjid-e-Sagheer is a smaller mosque with a total area of less than 334,45 square meters.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
ثم رأيت في “حاشية المدني” عن “جواهر الفتاوى”: ((أن”قاضي خان ) سئل عن ذلك فقال: اختلفوا فيه، فقدره بعضهم بستين ذراعاً، وبعضهم قال: إن كانت أربعين ذراعاً فهي كبيرة، وإلا فصغيرة، هذا هو المختار) اهـ.
وحاصله: أن الدار الكبيرة كالصحراء والصغيرة كالمسجد، وأن المختار في تقدير الكبيرة أربعون ذراعاً، وذكر في “البحر عن “المجتبى”: (أن فناء المسجد له حكم المسجد)، ثم قال: ((وبه عُلِمَ أنَّ الاقتداء من صحن الخانقاه الشيخونية بالإمام في المحراب صحيح وإن لم تتصل الصفوف؛ لأنَّ الصحن فناء المسجد، وكذا اقتداء من بالخلاوي السفلية صحيح؛ لأن أبوابها في فناء المسجد إلخ))، ويأتي تمام عبارته، وفي “الخزائن: ((فناء المسجد هو ما اتصل به وليس بينه وبينه طريق)) اهـ.
(ردالمحتار ج٣ ص ٦١٢ دارالسلام)
(احسن الفتاوى ج٣ ص٤٠٩ سعيد)
(فتاوى دارالعلوم زكريا ج٢ ص٤٥٤ زمزم)
- Approved by
- Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
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