Masjid Al-Ku` in Ta'if

Q: In Al-Ta'if there is a Masjid (mosque) called Masjid Al-Ku` where people claim that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) met `Addas upon his return from Al-Ta'if. As teachers, we are required to take students on a visit to this Masjid so that they have information about this monument. Is this permissible? If visiting this Masjid is not permissible, what is the ruling on taking the students to it merely to know about it? What is the ruling on the Muslim who goes to it to perform two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) there?

A: The two Masjids Al-Qantarah and Al-Ku` in Al-Ta'if are associated with Bid`ah (innovation in religion) that has no origin in Islam, nor do they enjoy any special merit. (Part No. 2; Page No. 309) There is no authentic Hadith or Athar (narrations from the Companions) that mentions them, and the stories that people relate about them are false and unfounded. Therefore, a Muslim is not permitted to visit them as an act of worship, exactly like the other Masjids that are associated with Bid`ahs. Also, it is not permissible for a Muslim to single out a Masjid for visit and worship except the three Masjids, namely, Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madinah), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem), in addition to Masjid Quba' in Madinah. Thus, it is clearly not permissible to take students on a journey to visit these two Masjids since this misleads the minds of the young students and it is obligatory to protect Muslims' `Aqidah (creed) from Bid`ahs and misguidance.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.