Question
Reference number: 118228 | Mosques | July 18, 2023
What is the ruling on using the Mosque Imam’s Air Conditioner for Personal Purposes
Answer
The first matter that should be pointed out is that it is not permissible to reside in the house attached to the mosque except with the permission of the endower (waqif) or the person responsible for administering the endowment (waqf).
As for the air conditioners in the mosque, they are most likely endowed as waqf for the mosque. Likewise, the electricity used to operate them is generally paid for through donations from worshippers or by the endowment authorities.
The basic principle is that whoever serves the mosque, if he is not serving voluntarily, should receive his agreed-upon remuneration according to the contract between him and the endowment authorities. If he has been given permission to reside in the house and to use its facilities, then he may use the air conditioner, provided that he does not engage in excess or waste, and that its use is within what is customary and reasonably required by the circumstances.
And Allah Almighty knows best.