Is it permissible to change a vow to purchase carpets for a specific mosque to another mosque or to purchase something else of the same value if the first mosque already possesses sufficient carpets?
If it becomes apparent that the mosque does not need the فرش (carpets/furnishings) that were vowed, then it is permissible to spend the amount on the mosque's interests, such as its lighting, if the interest necessitates it. This is based on the حديث (saying/opinion) of Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah regarding the permissibility of replacing waqf (endowment) for a superior interest, such as replacing one mosque with another that is more suitable. However, it is not permissible to spend the amount on another mosque as long as the first mosque is in need of it, because the waqf must be spent on the specific entity designated by the endower.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/68293