there is no difference. In any case, it must not be thought that incorporating the chamber into the mosque made it better than it had been. Their purpose was not to incorporate the chamber into it, but to enlarge it by including the apartments of the Prophet’s wives, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The chamber was thus necessarily included, despite the objections of those among the early generations who disapproved of this.

The point is that mosques built for Allah derive their merit from Allah alone being worshipped in them, without partner; from the prophets and righteous people who worshipped Allah in them; and from their having been built for that purpose. As Allah Most High says:

“A mosque founded on righteousness from the very first day is more worthy for you to stand in. In it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves.”

“Is one who founded his building on righteousness and the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure better, or one who founded his building on the edge of a crumbling bank, which collapsed with him into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.”

Deeds vary in merit according to the intentions of those who perform them, their obedience to Allah Most High, and the faith in their hearts through their obedience to Allah. As established in the authentic hadith collection, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”

For these they are rewarded, while for neglecting what Allah has made obligatory they are punished. Through these, affliction in this world and the Hereafter is averted from them. Whatever calamities befall them are due to their sins. Allah Most High says:

“If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, it is against yourselves.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever befalls you of