Hanging advertisements in Masjids

A: Using Masjids as places for displaying commercial advertisements and leaflets is impermissible whether this is done by schools, (Part No. 5; Page No. 269) commercial foundations, etc. This is because Masjids are built for offering ‘Ibadah (worship) to Allah such as Salah (Prayer), making Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), learning and teaching knowledge, reciting Qur’an, and other religious matters. Conversely, it is impermissible to use Masjids as places for propagating what is mentioned above and to take advantage of the existence of large numbers of people in the Masjids by placing leaflets and advertisements inside them. Muslims have to keep the Masjids far above such practices, maintain the sanctity of Masjids, and be keen not to distract people away from offering ‘Ibadah to Allah and not to disturb their Salah. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And the mosques are for Allâh (Alone): so invoke not anyone along with Allâh. This is also supported by the Hadith authentically reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When you see someone buying or selling in the Masjid, say: "May Allah not make your trade profitable!" (Related by Al-Nasa’y and Al-Tirmidhy who classed it as a Hadith Hasan [good Hadith]) It is noteworthy that placing such advertisements in Masjids is a sort of trade.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.