Is it permissible to spend from the funds of voluntary charity to open an office for donations and to purchase copying and writing machines and other equipment, and to pay the office rent from it, without using zakah funds?

The questioner : Is it permissible to open an office for donations from the funds of voluntary charity, to purchase copying and writing machines and other equipment, and to pay the office rent from it, without using zakah funds?

The Shaykh : I mean voluntary charity, not from zakah funds.

The questioner : Not from zakah funds.

The Shaykh : All right. Did those who gave charity give it as general charity, or did they specify how it should be used? If it is the former, it is permissible; otherwise, it is not. If they specified it, it is not permissible for us to spend it on something they did not specify.

Another questioner : The answer is not complete.

The Shaykh : How?

Another questioner : The question is whether it is permissible to purchase copying machines.

The Shaykh : I mean copying machines like the ones I have.

Another questioner : Copies, I mean, not photography, I mean...?

The Shaykh : That is what comes to my mind.

Another questioner : ...

The Shaykh : But you are going to ask for permission, and you will cause us and the group to lose out, because you will not catch up with the imam.

Another questioner : No, if Allah wills, we will catch up.

The Shaykh : And where?

Another questioner : One-third of an hour, if Allah wills.

The Shaykh : One-third of an hour?

Another questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : You know best, in any case.