Question

Is the destruction of Hindu temples allowed in Islam? Can we change temples into mosques? If yes, what are the references from the Qur’an? What about the many verses that different Muslim scholars present and say that temples can be destroyed and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also converted many temples into mosques?

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Answer

Salaam,

Thank you for writing to us.

The destruction of Hindu temples is not allowed in Islam, and temples cannot be converted into mosques unless the property is voluntarily sold by Hindus and purchased by Muslims, who can then make necessary changes to turn it into a mosque.

The actions that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) undertook as the Rasul of Allah cannot be replicated by ordinary Muslims. Furthermore, some of his directives were specific to the Arabian Peninsula, and they do not apply outside this territory.

For more details, you may refer to the following essay by Ustaz Javed Ahmad Ghamidi:

اردو: خدا کے فیصلے  

English: Verdicts of God

I hope this helps.

Mushfiq Sultan
Al-Mawrid

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