The donor of land as Waqf for a Masjid may not reclaim it, even if it is not needed anymore

Q: A person is asking about the ruling on taking back a piece of land, which he donated to establish a Masjid (mosque) even by purchasing it because the Ministry of Awqaf (endowment) is in no need of this piece of land.

A: It is not permissible to take back the land which you gave as Waqf even by purchasing it because you gave it for the sake of Allah (Exalted be He). However, it may be sold to someone other than the endower. It is authentically reported that `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), gave a horse in charity to be used in the cause of Allah. It had been given to him by Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him). `Umar gave it to another man to ride. Then, `Umar was informed that the man put the horse up for sale, (Part No. 16; Page No. 96) so he asked Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) whether he could buy it. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) replied: You should not buy it, for you should not take back what you have given in charity. Related by Al-Bukhari. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.