Locking the Mosque to Protect Its Property

Question

What is the ruling if a lock is put on the mosque because of theft and for the sake of protection — is it permissible or not?

Answer

Since the mosque’s property is not safe, putting a lock on it to protect it is correct, and indeed necessary (thus in “al-Bahr al-Ra’iq”, vol. 2, p. 33). But at the time of every prayer everyone must be permitted to come there and pray.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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