Ruling on making a lodging under the Masjid

Q 1: In our village, there are two nearby Masjids (mosques). The distance between them is less than 200 meters. This resulted in sedition and people split into two groups. Someone suggested building a Masjid in the middle of the village. Actually, a Fatwa was given to this effect and people started to build it. The Masjid consists of a ground floor containing toilets and an apartment for the Qur'an tutor and an upper floor containing prayer spaces for men and women.Upon finishing the upper floor, some of the seekers of knowledge told us (Part No. 5; Page No. 215) that it is not permissible to make a lodging under the Masjid, and that we should remove it. You should bear in mind that this lodging is dedicated for public interest and its building has been completed. It can not be used except for this purpose. We hope Your Eminence can resolve this problem, bearing in mind that many Masjids have lodgings underneath.

A: There is no problem in having a lodging under the Masjid for the tutor or the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer), for this is considered of the charitable utilities that the Masjid needs.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.