Impermissibility of selling houses bought by Muslims and dedicated as Waqf to be Masjids, except when it is necessary

Q 6: Some Muslims bought houses and made them into Masjids (mosques). Do these buildings have the same ruling as Masjids? When Muslims move from this place to another, they sell (Part No. 16; Page No. 92) these Masjids and buy new houses. Sometimes, they divide the revenue from purchases among them. What is the ruling on this issue?

A: It is permissible for Muslims to purchase houses and turn them into Masjids. They will have the same rulings as Masjids such as respecting them, offering the acts of worship therein and practicing the remembrance of Allah (Exalted be He) as it should be. However, it is not permissible to sell or replace them with other Masjids except in case of necessity like if they are out of use. If they move to another place and there is no Muslim community left in the place they departed, it will be permissible to sell them and purchase other land and houses to turn them into Masjids in the places where they move to with the value of the sold Masjids. This is for the sake of public interest. It is not permissible to distribute their value to the founders or the poor because they are Waqf (endowment). Therefore, their value can not be benefited from except in purchasing or establishing others instead. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.