Spending money dedicated for building new Masjids to renovate old ones

Q: In reference to your Letter no. 19/1 dated 6/1/1418 A.H., which is accompanied by the letter sent from His Eminence, Shaykh `Abdul-Qadir Habibullah Al-Sanady, which discusses the needs of the Masjid built by the institution in the city of Nuab Shah, Sind, for some important utilities, such as the accommodation for the Imam (leader of congregational Prayer) and the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) and bathrooms, please be advised that there are some applications submitted to the institution to provide such utilities, in addition to furnishing, air conditioners and microphones. They are shown to benefactors, but not many people offer help. We receive money from many benefactors who want to contribute to building Masjids. Is it permissible to use that money for providing these utilities, given that those who donated it did not stipulate using it to build a certain Masjid? Please advise concerning this issue. May Allah reward you for your interest in the affairs of Muslims. May Allah benefit us by your knowledge and Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah); He is the Generous One. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

A: Donating to build a certain Masjid entails all the utilities of the Masjid, including the accommodation of the Imam and the Mu'adhin, bathrooms, furnishing (Part No. 16; Page No. 60) and so on, because they belong to the Masjid. However, if a person donates a sum of money to build or participate in building a Masjid, no part of this donation should be spent for establishing the utilities of another Masjid, because establishing the utilities only cannot be called building a Masjid. In this case, the condition of the Waqif (endower) is not fulfilled. The money should only be spent for the purpose of the Waqif, which is building a new Masjid, including its utilities. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.