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mā kāna li-l-mushrikīna ʾan yaʿmurū masājida llāhi shāhidīna ʿalā ʾanfusihim bi-l-kufri ʾulāʾika ḥabiṭat ʾaʿmāluhum wa-fī n-nāri hum khālidūna
The polytheists may not maintain Allah’s mosques while they are witness to their own unfaith. Their works have failed, and they shall remain in the Fire [forever].
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah At-Tawbah – Verse 17
17 . “It is not for the polytheists to maintain the mosques of Allah, while they bear witness to unbelief against themselves. These it is whose deeds are null, and in the Fire shall they abide forever.”
It is true that the occasion of revelation of this verse is about the Sacred Mosque, yet its command concerns all mosques and, for the same reason, the word of ‘mosques’ has been applied in it, not the phrase of Sacred Mosque. One of the items that was announced by Ali (as) in immunity from pagans was that the Sacred Mosque was not permitted to be mended by idolaters. They should not even enter it. This meaning has been pointed out in verse No. 27 of the current Surah. The above verse says:
Explanations
1. Infidels are not permissible to interfere building mosques and also in foundations belonging to the culture and religion of Muslims.
2. Neither ever income is lawful, nor ever association is worthy. Be aware that because of the love of mosques in you infidels can penetrate in your religious affairs. The verse says:
3. Those who pretend to impiety are not rightful to interfere in the religious affairs. The verse says:
4. In building and running the sacred centers and foundations, do not take the money of impious ones, so that they can not boast, interfere and expect any thing.
5. An action alone is not so important, but its intention has the essential function. The verse says: