Donor's objective

Q: Over four years ago, the citizens of this town donated a sum of money to build a Masjid (mosque). After that, a charitable society covered the building costs estimated at four million Riyals. The money collected from people was kept with us. We are in a dire need to expand another Masjid. On Fridays many people have to pray outside the Masjid and suffer the heat of the sun because the space inside is not big enough. Is it permissible to use this sum for expanding this Masjid? We hope that your Eminence will enlighten us. (Part No. 5; Page No. 210

A: You may, if possible, ask the donors' permission to use their donations for maintaining a different Masjid. If you cannot ask their permission, spending this sum on restoring another Masjid will be recommended as this does not go against the donor's objective. We ask Allah to reward everyone for this act.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.