Does it mean that a specific place is attributed to Allah when mosques are referred to as “the houses of Allah”?
Arabic equivalent of the phrase “House of Allah” is “Bayt Allah” and it is an expression used for the Ka’bah. What is meant by “bayt” is the Ka’bah. Also, the word “house” is attributed to Allah in the following verse: “We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” (Baqarah, 2/125).
The Ka’bah is called as Bayt Allah (House of Allah) because it is the first temple constructed on earth to worship Allah, the symbol of the Hanif religion that was sent for guiding people to the true path and establishing the belief of tawhid by eliminating idolatry, and it is the place to which all Muslims turn while establishing prayer. Allah glorifies its honor by stating, “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah [i.e., Makkah] – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” (Al-i ‘Imran, 3/96). The phrase “House of Allah” is also used for all mosques and masjids that are for worshipping Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Houses of Allah in the world are masjids. Allah bestows blessing to those who come there.” (Tabarani, Mu‘jam al-Kabir, X, 10346)
In this respect, we should interpret the phrase of “House of Allah” as the place where people worship Allah, we should never interpret it as a place attributed to Allah. Because Allah (swt) is beyond time and place. That is to say, He (swt) cannot be associated with time and place. He is not in a place, He is the One Who surrounds all places. Time and place are creatures/created beings. And Allah is the Creator. Therefore, He is free from the characteristics specific to creatures.
Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWAS
What Does The Expression “Allah is Beyond Time and Space” Mean?
