Q: The following appears in "The Three Harams" by Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen:
"Do not distribute parcels, hampers and other goods in the musjid. Similarly, do not make the musjid a drop off point for collecting parcels."
Please advise:
(1) What is the status of distributing parcels and hampers in the Musjid parking lot and yard? This happens in poor areas in KZN, where Muslim and Ulama relief groups or individuals, arrange for the distribution of groceries and blankets in the Musjid yard. People, males and females, line up and collect.
(2) Distributing Qurbani meat in the Masjid parking lot / yard. Is this correct?
(3) A feeding scheme takes place for the poor children after afternoon Madrasah at the Masjid. The children sit and eat in the madrasah section, which is a large room adjoining the last saff. Is this permissible?
(4) Grocery hampers are distributed to poor people in the Masjid entrance/shoe rack area, the goods are given to poor people as they leave. Is this permissible?
A: It is better that the distribution takes place from another venue so that the area around the musjid is kept clean, the noise does not enter the musjid and the sanctity of the musjid is not violated in any way. When distributing at another venue, then arrangements should be made for the men and women to be segregated or at least stand in separate rows.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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