Topics: Charity

Can Zakat Funds Be Used to Build a Madrasa?

Using Zakat and Charity Funds for Madrasa Construction

Question: Can charity, donations, or zakat funds be used to construct a madrasa where poor, orphaned, and regular children study?

Answer: The first issue is that scholars differ on whether zakat funds can be used for constructing a madrasa. Based on the stronger opinion among scholars, zakat funds cannot be spent on madrasa construction since madrasas are not explicitly mentioned among the eight categories for zakat expenditure. However, if a madrasa is exclusively for poor and orphaned children, zakat funds can be used for its construction or for supporting the children.

If a madrasa includes both poor and affluent students, zakat funds cannot be used for its construction or operational costs. However, zakat funds can still be spent on the expenses of poor and needy children.

The second issue is that zakat and other donations should not be mixed. Zakat should be kept separate and spent on its specific categories, while general donations can be used for any righteous cause, such as madrasa or mosque construction or other charitable works.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Zakat
IslamicHelper

View Comments

Recent Articles

Intimacy During Menstruation Rules

Islamic fatwa on permissible intimacy during Haiz and Nifas, prohibition of intercourse before Ghusl, and Kaffarah for violations. Backed by… Read More

2 days ago

Fasting During Menstruation Rules

Clarifying Islamic rulings: If menstruation starts before Iftar, the fast is invalid and must be made up. Learn the wisdom… Read More

2 days ago

Authentic Hadiths on Zina Myths

Explore the authenticity of viral sayings like "Remain chaste, your women will remain chaste" and "Zina is a debt." This… Read More

2 days ago

Forgiveness in Islam: Healing Through Quran & Hadith

Discover how forgiveness in Islam, guided by the Quran and Hadiths, can heal your heart and bring peace to your… Read More

2 days ago

Matam in Islam: Forbidden?

Delve into Sharia's prohibition of matam, wailing during calamities, watching mourning processions, and facts about Aisha (RA)'s actions, supported by… Read More

1 month ago

Salaam Between Genders in Islam

Understand Islamic guidelines on exchanging Salaam between non-mahram men and women, backed by Quran, Hadith, and scholars like Ibn Uthaymeen,… Read More

1 month ago