The reward for building a masjid is a house in Paradise. The Prophet said, “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise” (Sahih al-Bukhari 450; Sahih Muslim 533). And because a masjid serves people every day for generations, every prayer offered in it continues as Sadaqah Jariyah for those who helped build it. This article gathers the main Hadith on the subject and explains what they mean for anyone thinking of contributing.
The Hadith of Uthman ibn Affan
The best-known narration comes from Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph. When he rebuilt and expanded the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, some people objected and talked at length. Uthman replied by quoting what he had heard from the Prophet: whoever builds a mosque, seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah builds for him the like of it in Paradise (Bukhari 450; Muslim 533).
Two things stand out. First, the reward is tied to sincerity: the masjid is built for Allah, not for fame. Second, the reward matches the deed: a house of worship on earth is answered with a house in Paradise.
“Even like a bird’s nest”
In another narration, the Prophet said, “Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, like a sparrow’s nest or even smaller, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise” (Sunan Ibn Majah 738, graded sahih). A bird’s nest is far too small to pray in, so many scholars explain this as encouragement for those who can only contribute a small share of a masjid. In other words, the door to this reward is not only open to the wealthy. Someone who funds a few bricks, a square metre of floor, or a month of a building fund is a partner in the house of Allah.
Why a masjid is among the greatest Sadaqah Jariyah
The Prophet taught that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three, the first being a continuing charity (Sahih Muslim 1631). A masjid may be the most continuous charity of all. Think of what happens inside one over a single year:
- more than 1,800 congregational prayers, plus Friday prayer every week;
- Taraweeh every night of Ramadan, iftars, and the two Eid prayers;
- children learning to read the Quran and memorise their first surahs;
- new Muslims taking their shahadah and learning to pray;
- funeral prayers, marriages, counselling and community support.
Every one of those moments is a good deed made possible by those who built the place. Multiply it by decades, and the reward of a modest contribution becomes difficult to measure.
Building versus maintaining a masjid
Allah praises those who “maintain the masajid of Allah” (Quran 9:18), a word that scholars explain covers both building them physically and filling them with worship. Securing a permanent home for a community that has only rented rooms, keeping a masjid open, repairing it or paying its running costs all fall within this honour.
Making your contribution count
- Renew your intention. Give for the sake of Allah, and if you wish, in the name of a parent or loved one.
- Give where the need is real. Communities without a permanent masjid, especially Muslim minorities in the West, often struggle the most to raise funds.
- Check the trust behind the project. Look for a registered charity that keeps building funds separate and gives receipts.
- Consider a monthly gift. Regular giving helps a community plan a purchase with confidence.
Help build a permanent masjid in Wellington
This is a chance to share in the reward of building a house of Allah. For six years Aman Islamic Trust has served Muslims in Wellington, New Zealand, from rented rooms. We are now raising NZ$1.5 million to buy a permanent masjid and Islamic centre, a place for the five daily prayers, Quran classes, youth programmes, Ramadan and Eid for generations to come.
You can give by card or by bank transfer from anywhere in the world (reference BUILD). Every gift receives a receipt, and building fund gifts are used only for the property.
Giving from overseas? See our guides for the UK, Australia, the USA and Canada, the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
This article is general guidance drawn from the Quran and authentic Hadith. For a ruling on your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar or contact our imam.
Sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari 450 and Sahih Muslim 533: the Hadith of Uthman ibn Affan.
- Sunan Ibn Majah 738: like a sparrow’s nest or smaller (graded sahih).
- Sahih Muslim 1631: deeds end except three.
- Quran 9:18: those who maintain the masajid of Allah.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reward for building a masjid in Islam?
The Prophet said that whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 450, Sahih Muslim 533). Its benefit also continues as Sadaqah Jariyah for as long as people use it.
Do I get the reward if I only contribute part of the cost?
Scholars explain that those who share in building a masjid share in its reward according to their contribution and sincerity. The Prophet said even a mosque like a bird’s nest, or smaller, earns a house in Paradise (Sunan Ibn Majah 738), which many scholars understand to include contributing a small share.
Can I contribute to a masjid on behalf of my parents?
Yes. Charity on behalf of a deceased parent benefits them, as the Prophet confirmed to a man whose mother died suddenly (Sahih al-Bukhari 1388). Many families contribute to masjid projects in the name of a parent.