Is it lawful to use cell phone in masjid while namaz is not offered (like in Etikaaf) as I have seen so many people using there cell phones in masjid?
Answer
(Fatwa: 70/70=L)
One can have worldly or religious talks only as much as necessary by mobile phone in a state of Etikaf (secluding oneself in mosque with the intention of worship):
وتکلم الا بخیر وھو ما لا اثم فیہ ومنہ المباح عند الحاجۃ الیہ لا عند عدمھا۔ (الدر المختار مع الشامی: 3/441، ط زکریا دیوبند)
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband