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