Masjid may be demolished if it has become weak or dangerous...

Masjid may be demolished if it has become weak or dangerous or if it is necessary to enlarge the Masjid. Non-Muslim labour should not be used for demolishing the Masjid, nor should any non-Muslim be allowed to enter the area of old Masjid, because the site remains Masjid even when there is no structure on it. The building material (including stones and debris) of the old Masjid should be used in other Masjids (even of Sunnis).

If this too is not possible, then it should be sold for use in other religious buildings of Shi'as or Sunnis or to a Muslim who would know its sanctity. The price thus realised should be used in new Masjid's construction. Q. 48: PRAYER BEHIND A SUNNI IMAM On salat, should we pray behind sunni? If so, what about the saying that those who pray with their hands folded their prayer is not accepted? A. There are a few situations when a Shi'a may pray behind a Sunni Imam.

The most obvious case is of taqiyyah when one has to hide his belief because of danger to his life, property or honour. Another is the occasion when the Islamic unity has to be demonstrated. And according to the ruling of Ayatullah al-'Uzma as-Sayyid Abul Qasim al- Khoui, in all such cases one must recite Surah al-Fatiha and the other surah (which he is required Not to recite behind a Shi'a Imam). Q49.

I AM NOT WELCOME AT SUNNI MOSQUES From your previous correspondence, it is clear that a Shi'ite is not prevented from joining Sunni Jamaat prayers. I also realize the emphasis for Muslims to join Jamaat prayers. Although living near a mosque, I hesitate in joining congregational prayers for the following reasons:- a) When the Sunnis see me praying without folding hands, they look upon me as one gone astray; with the majority turning their eyes on me, making me uneasy.

The same applies when I do masah on feet in ablution instead of washing legs as they do. b) In most daily prayers, the Imam prays too quickly for a Shi'ite to follow him, or to keep pace with him (Imam). For example,the Imam rushes Surahs to such an extent that he goes to Ruku before the Shi'ite has even started the surah after surah Fateha. In general, in local Sunni congregational prayers, there is a tendency of rushing prayers as compared with strict Shi'ite rules for prayers. A.

In the above circumstances, you may discontinue going to that mosque at the time of their Jamaat prayers. Please go therein after the people have gone away.