I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: `Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. Allah will build something like it for him in Paradise.”
Hadith Text
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: `Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. Allah will build something like it for him in Paradise.”
Source Reference
Musnad Uthman ibn Affan, Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: Musnad Ahmad 434
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the immense reward for constructing places of worship solely for Allah's pleasure. The phrase "for the sake of Allah" indicates the necessity of pure intention, free from worldly motives like fame or tribal pride.
The reward "something like it in Paradise" signifies a dwelling of unimaginable splendor, far superior to earthly structures. Scholars note this includes both those who fund construction and those who physically build.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains this encompasses mosques of all sizes, emphasizing that the reward corresponds to one's sincerity and effort. The hadith encourages Muslims to participate in this noble deed according to their capacity.
Legal Rulings
The majority of scholars hold this reward applies to building new mosques and renovating existing ones. Some jurists extend it to contributing to mosque maintenance and furnishings.
Imam al-Nawawi states the reward remains valid even if the mosque later falls into disuse, as the initial intention and action were accepted by Allah.