KEPALA BATAS, March 2 — Muslims who are praying at mosques that were built from "haram” (forbidden) sources of fund such as the lottery fund will find that their prayers are valid and will still gain "pahala” (rewards in the hereafter), according to Penang Mufti Datuk Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor.

He said performing prayers, be they Friday or obligatory, at such mosques is "harus” (optional).

"The haram part is only on building (the mosque)… Constructing a mosque from haram money is forbidden.

"The Penang Fatwa Committee has discussed (the matter) in its meetings from Dec 18 to 19 and decided that the prayers are valid and will be rewarded,” he told reporters after briefing Rantau Panjang Mosque committee members over the issue, near here today.

 The briefing and discussion on the matter was held following a complaint lodged by the committee over the doubts in performing prayers at the mosque.

However, Wan Salim said it is harus or optional to utilise the existing mosques that were built on haram sources.

"If anyone wishes to repent from such forbidden acts, then the money can be used for the benefits of the Muslims such as building bridges, public toilets and donating to the poor,” he added. — Bernama