Can Zakat Be Given to a Mosque?

Many Muslims wonder if they can support their local mosques with their Zakat giving. This question often arises because believers want to support local places of worship. Besides, mosques are more than places of worship. They become the hub of community activities. It is therefore natural that many Muslims wish to contribute towards building or improving their local mosque. However, there is a distinct difference between making general donations for the mosque and giving Zakat money to it. In this blog, we will discuss whether Zakat can be given to mosques.

Can Zakat Be Given Directly to a Mosque?

According to most Islamic scholars, Zakat money shouldn’t be used for the mosque’s own expenses. However, if the mosque authorities know eligible Zakat recipients and you want to donate your Zakat obligations through them, you can do so. We must remember that Zakat eligibility is clearly defined in the Quran, and it can only be given to the categories of people mentioned in the following verses:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9:60)

Can Zakat Be Used to Build or Renovate a Mosque?

Contributing Zakat for mosque’s maintenance  is a deed that promises great spiritual rewards according to the following Hadith:‏

“Ubaidullah al-Khaulini reported: ‘Uthman b. ‘Affan listened to the opinion of the people (which was not favourable) when he rebuilt the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Thereupon he said: You have not been fair to me for I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: He who built a mosque for Allah, the Exalted, Allah would build for him a house in Paradise. Bukair said: I think he (the Holy Prophet) said: While he seeks the pleasure of Allah (by building the mosque). And in the narration of Ibn ‘Isa (the words are): ” (a house) like that (mosque) in Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, 533a)

It is a great privilege to contribute to the construction of a mosque; however, it cannot be done using your Zakat obligations. The recipients of Zakat strictly remain the eight categories of people mentioned in the Quran. Your contributions to the construction or renovation of the mosque thus are Sadaqah. Zakat for mosque construction isn’t allowed.

When Can a Mosque Handle Zakat Funds?

The mosque can only handle the Zakat funds when they are Zakat-collectors and take responsibility to distribute Zakat among the categories of people clearly mentioned in the Quran. Local mosques, especially in foreign countries, sometimes take that responsibility. Before committing your donations, ensure that the authorities are clear about the Zakat eligibility and are trustworthy.

What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah for Mosques?

Sadaqah is a voluntary charity that is given with the kindness of heart. While Zakat cannot be used for the construction or renovation of mosques, you can give your Sadaqah for this great purpose. Remember that there are great rewards associated with Sadaqah. The Quran clearly states:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

The following Table explains the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah.

If You Want to Support a Mosque, What Should You Give?

Besides Sadaqah, you can also donate Lillah donations, Waqf or endowment, and general charity. Remember that if Lillah donations are used for mosque construction, renovation, water projects, madrassa, or endowment, they can be a source of Sadaqah e Jariya. By the same token, Waqf is also Sadaqah e Jariya according to many scholars. You can dedicate an asset such as land, building, or money permanently to a mosque that indefinitely generates income and helps the mosque sustain its expenses. Remember that Sadaqah e Jariya, according to the following Hadith, keeps giving spiritual benefits even long after a person’s death:

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him (for the deceased). (Sahih Muslim, 1631)

Can Zakat Support Community Services Offered by a Mosque?

We have already mentioned that Zakat can be used by a mosque if they decide to use it to support the categories mentioned in the Quran. Remaining in the spirit of the principles, you should consider giving Zakat to a mosque when they support initiatives like food distribution programs, financial assistance to Zakat-eligible families, healthcare assistance to Zakat-eligible families, or provide educational support to Zakat-eligible students.

Conclusion

Zakat cannot be used for the construction, renovation, or any general maintenance purposes of a mosque. Zakat can only be given to the categories mentioned in Surah al-Tawbah (9:60). However, mosques can collect and distribute Zakat provided that the collectors are trustworthy and knowledgeable about Shariah. While giving Zakat for mosque construction is not allowed, you can give Sadaqah. So the question: can mosques receive Zakat has a simple answer: Not for construction, but you can support your mosque administration if they are Zakat-givers.

The best way of supporting a mosque is by directly giving Sadaqah, Lillah, or Waqf. These are forms of voluntary charity that may qualify as Sadaqah e Jariya, depending on whether the resources are used for long-term sustainable purposes. Remember that Sadaqah e Jariya is a source of continuous spiritual rewards, even after a person’s death. Hence, supporting a mosque with your Sadaqah donation is a great deed that promises great rewards in the afterlife.