Question
Are Masjid awards something acceptable in Islam? Awards are being given to those Masjids which have the best Imaam, best Muazzin etc.
Answer
This is an innovation that has no basis whatsoever in Shari’ah. The best and greatest Imaam in the Ummah was none other than Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and perhaps the best Muazzins were none other than Hadrat Bilaal Radiallahu Anhu and Hadrat Abdullah Bin Umme Maktoom Radiallahu Anhu. Never did they receive any awards for their services rendered to the Ummah.
Secondly, the best Imaam or best Muazzin is one that is most accepted and considered as best in the Court of Allah Ta’ala. Their rewards lie with Allah alone. This is definitely unknown to us thus we are in no position to classify any individual as the best Imaam or Muazzin.
We are therefore not in favour of such awards even though some individuals may argue that this award is to encourage punctuality and dedication of the Imaams and Muazzins, simply on the basis that if dedication and services of Deen are carried out purely for awards then where is the sincerity which is required by Allah Ta’ala (for the acceptance of all of our deeds).
May Allah Ta’ala guide us and the Ummah to that which is pleasing to Him.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.