What is the ruling on extravagance in building mosques by spending large sums of money on costly decorations, embellishments, and luxurious furnishings? Is it not more befitting to donate these sums to the poor, such as purchasing an expensive chandelier for the mosque instead of a simple one and donating the remaining amount to the poor?

Extravagance and squandering are two blameworthy traits forbidden by the Holy Quran. Decorating mosques and being extravagant in their construction are signs of the Hour. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned of destruction if mosques were adorned and Qurans embellished. Furthermore, donating a large chandelier at such an exorbitant price is considered extravagance. It is more fitting to suffice with what fulfills the purpose and donate the remainder, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions used to beautify mosques with obedience and worship, turning away from adornment and embellishment. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said when renewing the Prophet's Mosque: "Shelter the people from the rain, and beware of coloring it red or yellow, lest you cause discord among the people." This is because decorating mosques distracts from devotion and presence with Allah. Some scholars have gone as far as to prohibit adorning mosques with gold and silver, and consider it disliked with other materials.