Question:
As salāmualaikum, To what extent is a Masjid allowed to use its discretion in spending money that it receives through; 1. Specific donations for regular Masjid expenses? 2. General donations through its donation box or PayPal account? By using its discretion, we mean spending on Muslim community gatherings such as Eid potluck dinner or youth events. Also, can a Masjid use its funds for dawah purposes or to have bbq events wherein non-Muslim politicians, civil leaders and law enforcement officials are primarily invited and hosted.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Brother in Islam,
We apologize for the belated response.
There are two scenarios that could be applicable to your query.
- The Masjid launches a specific donation campaign for a certain activity or project.
- The Masjid collects general donations to cover its general expenses.
In the first scenario, the masjid will need to spend according to the stipulated aim the donations were collected for. If the donations are spent in any other avenue, the explicit permission of those who have donated must be sought. If that is not possible, the administration will be liable to re-compensate that amount. [i]
In the second scenario, the funds should be utilized in expenses related to the masjidsuch as reparations, salaries, expenses, etc. Potluck dinners, BBQ events does not fall under Masjid related expenses. However, if the masjid mentions to the public that the donations will be utilized for such events, it will be permissible for the funds to be spent in those avenues.
As the matter of Waqf is very serious, it would be advisable for a masjid to collect a separate set of funds for such events.[ii]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Mirza-Zain Baig
Mufti Hammad Jogiat
Student - Darul Iftaa
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
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