Is it permissible to exchange an endowed land for building a mosque with another land in a village where there is no mosque, according to the Hanafi school of thought, if the original land has not yet been used for building the mosque and is no longer needed?

It is permissible to exchange a waqf (endowment) land designated for building a mosque, for the sake of benefit. For instance, if a mosque is built next to it, the land can be sold, and its price used to purchase land in another location that is in need of a mosque.

This opinion is the most preponderant (rajih), and it was held by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, who attributed it to Imam Ahmad. As for the Hanafi school of thought, it elaborates on exchange in three ways: First, if the endower (waqif) stipulated exchange, then it is permissible. Second, if the endower did not stipulate it, and the waqf entirely loses its benefit, then it is permissible with the permission of the judge. Third, if the waqf has partial benefit, and its alternative is better, then it is not permissible to exchange it.

Therefore, if the endowed land is of no benefit due to a mosque being built next to it, and it cannot be incorporated into that mosque, then it can be sold, and its price used for another mosque that can be utilized, provided there is permission from the judge. If there is no religious judge, then recourse should be made to people of knowledge and righteousness.