From this verse, we learn that the rightful maintainers of mosques are those with intellectual independence, ensuring their faith and prayers are steadfast, and those with sufficient or excess financial strength to give charity without fear.
Today, the ideal concept of enriching mosques has been distorted. Nowadays, mosques are seldom used for activities such as strategic discussions, political debates, education, or economic planning, as they were during the Prophet’s time.
Despite their grander architecture, modern mosques often serve minimal functions. They are primarily used for ritual purposes, rarely engaging in contemporary political or national issues.
This change can be attributed to a gradual shift towards secularism, which separates religion from politics. In truth, religion and politics should be two sides of the same coin. Without political strength, the Muslim community cannot build a civilization.
Furthermore, the individuals responsible for enriching mosques in the Prophet’s time were highly intellectual and financially capable, as outlined in Surah At-Taubah, verse 18. This contrasts sharply with the present, where the main caretakers, often termed “marbot,” are typically funded by community donations rather than possessing significant personal authority.
Reflecting on this, building a civilization will remain a distant dream if Muslims do not broaden their perspectives. The current lag in Muslim advancement should serve as a wake-up call. Mosques, once the heart of civilization, are now mostly confined to ritual activities.
This is the challenge we must contemplate and address with utmost seriousness. The future progress of the Muslim community rests on our shoulders as the hopeful generation. Let us, therefore, continue to think progressively towards building a civilization and realizing the ideals within the Quran.
Wallahu a’lam bi al-shawab (And Allah knows best).