[Q 540] Using Non-Muslim Funds in Masjid

QUESTION:

Does Shariah permit use of financial donations from non-Muslims for construction or furnishing of a Masjid.

ANSWER:

If a non-Muslim gives money to a masjid with the intention of placing Muslims under obligation, or so that he may interfere in the affairs of the masjid, then it is not permissible (na-ja’iz — unlawful) to accept such a donation. However, if he offers it sincerely and respectfully (niyaz-mandanah taur par — in a humble manner), then there is no harm in accepting it, provided there is no fear that in the future he will claim favour over the masjid or interfere in its matters.

In the situation where it is permissible to take money from him, even then nothing should be purchased by the non-Muslim himself and installed in the masjid. Rather, Muslims should themselves purchase the items or pay workers’ wages. Even in this case, the better method is that the non-Muslim gifts (hiba — gift) the money to a Muslim, and the Muslim then spends it on the masjid from his own side. In any case, it is preferable to avoid using the wealth of non-Muslims in the masjid, and the masjid should ideally be funded by a sahih al-‘aqidah Sunni Muslim (a Muslim of sound Sunni belief).

It is mentioned in Fatawa Ridawiyyah:
“If he gives money for use in the masjid in such a way that he considers it a favour upon the masjid or the Muslims, or that due to it he will have some involvement in the masjid, then it is not permissible to accept it. However, if he offers it sincerely, then there is no harm — provided that in exchange no item is purchased by the disbeliever and placed in the masjid; rather, Muslims should purchase it themselves or pay labourers’ wages. Even in this case, the safest method is that the disbeliever gifts the money to a Muslim, and the Muslim spends it from his own side.”

(Fatawa Ridawiyyah, Vol. 16, p. 520, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

Answered by: Usman Madani (Ask Mufti scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 13th February 2026.