Donating to Church ?

Question:

1) Is it permissible for a Muslim to donate money for building a church? 2) Is it permissible for Muslims to accept donations from non-Muslims for building Masjids?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

1) This would not be permissible because it entails assisting others in sin. (Raddul Muhtar: v. 9, p. 563 [Maktaba Imdadia])

2) This would be permissible on the condition that the donor considers this action to be rewarding. Nevertheless, if by accepting this donation, there is a fear of harm, e.g., non-Muslims taking control of the Masjid, interfering with its affairs, etc., then the Masjid committee should refrain from accepting such a donation. (Fatawa Mahmudia: v. 22, p. 127 [Darul Isha’at]; Kitabun Nawazil: v. 13, p. 356 [Darul Isha’at])

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani

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