Is It Permissible to Turn a Basement into a Mosque?
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. My dad passed away two years ago and left us (widow, four sons and a daughter) a fortune. Among the assets we've inherited is a decent newly built building. This building consists of a basement and four floors. We've thought to convert part of the un-utilized basement and refurbish it to be a mosque as sadaqa jariyah (perpetual charity) and dedicate the reward to our late dad. However, we overheard that this is inappropriate, as a mosque should not have anything above it; i.e. people living their day-to-day life. My question is: Is it permissible to utilize this basement as a mosque and dedicate the reward to my father? Your prompt reply is highly appreciated, as I plan to fly out as soon as this issue is sorted out. Jazakum Allah khayran.
