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Is it permissible to build a mosque using zakah money?

25-09-2001

Question 12330

I want to know can i use zakaat money to build Mosque ?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Standing Committee was asked whether it is permissible to spend zakah money in refurbishing the mosque etc. They replied as follows: 

With regard to zakah, it is only to spent in eight ways which are specified by Allah in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything)”[al-Tawbah 9:60]

Mosques are not one of the eight categories mentioned in the aayah, which  limits the spending of zakah to these eight. And Allah is the Source of strength. 

Where Zakah is to Be Spent
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