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Donate to a mosque: Your three main questions answered
October 15, 2024
Donate to a mosque: Your three main questions answered
By Yusuf Jaffar
•
4 min read
Mosques are not only places of worship; they serve as community hubs where people come together for prayer, learning, and social support.
Supporting your local mosque through donations helps sustain its vital role in the community, ensuring it can continue offering essential services to everyone.
In this guide, we'll answer common questions, such as whether you can donate Zakat to a mosque and if such donations are considered Sadaqah Jariyah. We'll also cover the potential tax benefits of donating to a mosque and explain the importance of contributing to mosque-building projects.
Can you donate Zakat to a mosque?
Some islamic scholars agree that Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is not intended for use in mosque construction or upkeep. According to Surah At-Tawbah (9:60) in the Quran, Zakat must be distributed among eight specific categories: the poor, the needy, Zakat administrators, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, captives seeking freedom, individuals in debt, in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah), and travelers in need. Below are differing interpretations of the permissibility of Zakat for mosques.
Mosques Not Eligible:
Some scholars agree that mosques do not fall under any of these categories, meaning Zakat cannot be used to fund mosque construction, renovations, or operational costs. The consensus is that Zakat should be used strictly to help individuals who qualify under the specified categories.
Interpretation of "In the Path of Allah" (Fi Sabilillah):
There is some debate regarding the phrase "in the path of Allah." A minority of scholars have interpreted this broadly, including funding mosques.
Zakat Collection and Distribution:
If a mosque acts as a collection and distribution point for Zakat, it is permissible to donate Zakat through the mosque. However, the funds must be passed on to eligible recipients and cannot be used for the mosque's expenses.
Mosque eligible:
Other scholars believe that under special circumstances—such as in communities where no mosque exists or where the mosque plays a critical social or educational role—Zakat funds could be used to support the mosque.
The reader should conduct further research on this topic based on the scholar's opinions that they are most comfortable with. At LaunchGood, depending on the circumstances, we have qualified some mosque projects to be eligible for Zakat.
Is donating to a mosque considered sadaqah jariyah?
Yes, donating to a mosque can indeed be considered Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) in Islam. Sadaqah Jariyah is a highly valued form of charity that continues to benefit others and reward donors even after they pass away.
Since the impact of such donations extends beyond the initial act, they align with the principles of ongoing charity.
Mosques as Sadaqah Jariyah
Perpetual benefits:
When you donate to the construction or upkeep of a mosque, it becomes a continuous source of blessings for the donor.
Every prayer, recitation, or act of worship that takes place in the mosque benefits the donor long after their contribution.
This ongoing nature of benefit fits the concept of Sadaqah Jariyah, as the mosque continues to serve the community and facilitate acts of worship for years to come.
Community impact:
Beyond serving as places of worship, mosques often act as community hubs, offering educational programs, social services, and support for various causes.
By contributing to a mosque, donors help sustain these broader services, allowing the mosque to serve multiple generations of Muslims and further increasing the scope of the charity’s impact.
Are donations to a mosque tax-deductible?
United States:
In the U.S., donations to mosques are generally tax-deductible if the mosque is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This status allows donors to claim deductions on their contributions when they itemize their tax returns.
To qualify, donors need to keep proper documentation, such as receipts or written acknowledgments from the mosque. These records must confirm the donation amount and state that no goods or services were received in return.
United Kingdom:
In the U.K., donations to mosques can be tax-deductible if the mosque is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Donors can benefit from schemes like Gift Aid, which allows the mosque to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated.
Donors must be U.K. taxpayers and provide a Gift Aid declaration to confirm their eligibility for this scheme.
Canada:
In Canada, mosque donations are tax-deductible if the mosque is a qualified donee registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Donors can claim a non-refundable tax credit based on their contributions.
As with other countries, maintaining proper receipts and documentation is required to claim these deductions on tax returns.
Mosques campaign you can give to:
1. Ladies' Prayer Hall Expansion at Noor Ul Islam Mosque
This campaign is raising funds to build a dedicated prayer hall for women with a wudu (ablution) area and garden space. This expansion aims to provide a more comfortable and accessible space for female worshippers. The target is £100,000 to complete the project, and all contributions will help enhance the mosque's capacity to serve the community better.
Tax Aid Eligibility: Donations to this UK-based campaign are eligible for Gift Aid, allowing U.K. taxpayers to increase their donation value at no extra cost by 25%.
2. Opening the First Latino Islamic Center in Chicago
This campaign supports the opening of the first-ever Latino Islamic Center in Chicago, which aims to provide a space for the Latino Muslim community to practice their faith and receive educational and social services. The center will serve as a hub for Latino Muslims and help foster a stronger connection between diverse communities.
Tax Aid Eligibility: Donations to this campaign in the U.S. may be tax-deductible, as the campaign is likely managed by a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
3. Help Save Masjid Al-Falah from Closure
Masjid Al-Falah is facing closure due to financial challenges. This campaign seeks to raise funds to keep the mosque operational and continue offering services such as daily prayers, Quran classes, and community outreach programs. The mosque plays a critical role in supporting the spiritual and social well-being of the local Muslim community.
Tax Aid Eligibility: U.S. donors may be eligible for tax deductions if the mosque is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Cann Hall Deen and Education Trust: General Donation Campaign
This campaign is focused on maintaining and expanding the services offered by the Cann Hall Deen and Education Trust in London. The trust provides a wide range of community services, including a boys' and girls' youth club, a food bank serving over 100 families, supplementary classes for children, and support groups for the elderly and disabled. The funds will also help the mosque repay an interest-free loan of over £585,000, which was used to secure their premises.
Tax Aid Eligibility: Donations to this UK-based campaign are eligible for Gift Aid, which allows U.K. taxpayers to increase their donation by 25% at no extra cost
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