Is it permissible to pay my zakah for the construction of a mosque in a city inhabited by Christians, or part of it, for the construction of this mosque, knowing that it is being built through self-effort and has
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The questioner : This ... Egyptian says in this question: Is it permissible to pay my zakah for the construction of a mosque in a city inhabited by Christians, or part of it, for the construction of this mosque, knowing that it is being built through self-effort and has great importance for serving Islam? Please advise us, may Allah reward you?
The Shaykh : Zakah is not paid except to the categories mentioned by Allah the Exalted in His saying[At-Tawbah 9:60] These are eight categories to which Allah the Exalted restricted the distribution of zakah, so He said [At-Tawbah 9:60] Therefore, it is not permissible to pay it to anyone other than these eight categories, because if we permitted its distribution to others, the restriction would have no benefit. And Allah the Exalted mentioned them in the form of restriction and said [At-Tawbah 9:60] Thus, He made it clear that He the Exalted obligated it upon His servants in accordance with His knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, no one is permitted to add anything to it. It is well known that building mosques is not among these eight categories. And if it is not among them, then it does not suffice to distribute zakah for building mosques, even if there is the benefit mentioned by the questioner. However, it is possible for this questioner to contact wealthy benefactors and present the matter to them. In my opinion, whoever Allah the Exalted has enriched and helped to be self-sufficient will not hesitate to help this man establish this mosque in this important location. Yes.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : Zakah is not paid except to the categories mentioned by Allah the Exalted in His saying
Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
إنما الصدقات للفقراء والمساكين والعاملين عليها والمؤلفة قلوبهم وفي الرقاب والغارمين وفي سبيل الله وابن السبيل فريضة من الله والله عليم حكيمZakah expenditures are only for the poor
إنما الصدقات للفقراءan obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
فريضة من الله والله عليم حكيمThe questioner : May Allah bless you.