Builders in the Mosque Exposing Their Knees and Smoking the Hookah

Question

What is the ruling on masons smoking the hookah and keeping their knees uncovered inside the mosque during construction? Is it necessary for the mutawalli (trustee) to stop them or not?

Answer

Keeping the knees uncovered in front of anyone is prohibited even outside the mosque, let alone in the mosque. The mutawalli should instruct such masons and labourers not to do so; and they should also be prevented from smoking the hookah in the mosque.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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