What is the ruling on constructing tall buildings?

Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding excessive height, expansion, and ornamentation in construction. Some prohibit it, some permit it, and some deem it disliked (makruh). This last view is the middle ground, as it aligns with the evidence of those who permit it and does not contradict the evidence of those who prohibit it. The Quran condemns and prohibits extravagance, and states that excessive building without need is mere amusement, as Allah says: (Do you build on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves? And do you acquire [great] factories, hoping to be immortal?) [Surat Ash-Shu'ara, 128-129]. The Sunnah also contains what indicates this, such as the hadith: "Indeed, a Muslim is rewarded for everything he spends except for something he puts in this earth [meaning excessive building]," i.e., what exceeds one's need in construction.