Is it permissible to build a mosque for expansion over a graveyard due to the mosque's inability to accommodate the worshippers?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the graveyard is old and the traces of the deceased have vanished, it is permissible to build upon it for the needs of the mosque. However, if the remains of the deceased are still present, scholars have differed regarding the permissibility of excavating graves and moving the remains to expand the mosque. Some have permitted it for human rights, necessity, or a valid purpose, while others have forbidden it except in cases of dire necessity. As for building over graves while they still exist, it is not permissible. It is also forbidden to incorporate a grave or part of a graveyard into a mosque.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/103148
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 103148
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy