The Permissibility of Donating to Those Who Request Donations and Masjids

Guidelines for Charitable Donations in Islam

A sister asks, what is the permissibility of donating to those who request donations and giving to masjids upon bid’ah or general masjids when they fundraise after salah for example?

Sheikh Muḥammad Aṣ-Ṣilwi ḥafidhahullāh:

May Allāh preserve you. Regarding donations, the general principle is that when giving donations and seeking closeness to Allāh, a person should place their money in its proper place, as the Prophet ﷺ said: 

“The most beloved charity to Allāh is that which is placed in its appropriate places.”

If a person gives their money directly to those they know are in need, such as the poor and the destitute, this is preferable. Alternatively, they may seek the help of trustworthy and knowledgeable individuals who have experience in this matter.

As for donating to charitable organisations (جمعيات), if the organisation is known for its integrity and good work, and the person entrusts their donation to them due to their inability to deliver it personally, then good is hoped for in this action.

This is similar to the ḥadīth of Abū Hurairah about the man who said, ‘I will give charity,’ but his charity ended up in the hands of a wealthy man, a thief, and an immoral woman, without his knowledge. He intended goodness, and Allāh accepted his charity, hoping that the wealthy man would be encouraged to spend, the thief would refrain from stealing, and the immoral woman would repent. May Allāh protect you.

Therefore, if a person places their charity in what they believe is a good place but it is used improperly, the person giving will still be rewarded, while the one who misused it will bear the sin.

As for the masjids of the people of innovation, it is best to avoid donating to them. Masjids where innovation is prevalent should not be maintained or supported.

Helping the general masjids is good. If donations are used to assist the public and meet their needs, the donor will be rewarded, insha’Allah.

However, collecting donations at the end of prayers should be avoided, as this is not the practice of Ahlus-Sunnah. This method is generally known to be practiced by innovators and those seeking personal gain. It is also often the case, as we know, that such donations may not reach their rightful recipients. And Allāh knows best.