How Much of a Passage Should Be Left Between a House and a Mosque

Question

Here, on the eastern side of the Congregational Mosque, there is a plot belonging to a certain gentleman. While building a house he came right up close to the mosque. Now the villagers are stopping him, saying he should build leaving at least twelve feet. He says that if he builds leaving a gap, he loses one room. Please inform us of the Shar‘i decision on this.

Answer

For the public way, enough space should be left for people and, according to local conditions, a bullock cart or other cart and the like to pass through easily. He should not be compelled to leave more than this.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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