What is the response to one who refuses to build a minaret for the mosque, arguing that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did not build a minaret?

The statement that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not build a minaret for the mosque is correct, and the existence of a minaret is not a condition for a mosque. However, this does not mean that building one is impermissible. Rather, many scholars have gone to the permissibility of building it due to the benefit it provides in raising the voice of the muezzin.

Evidence for its permissibility includes Bilal's call to prayer (adhan (definition)), may Allah be pleased with him, from a high place, and what Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with an authentic chain of transmission from Abdullah ibn Shaqeeq: "It is from the Sunnah (definition) to call the adhan from the minaret and to perform the iqamah (definition) in the mosque." Also, what Imam Ahmad narrated with a good chain of transmission from Abu Hurairah, who said: "The Prophet's standing (in prayer) was for the duration it took the muezzin to descend from the minaret and reach the row."

So, whoever builds a mosque and a minaret has done well, and whoever does not, there is no harm upon him. The matter is broad.