Can I give zakat to a mosque?
Not for building or running the mosque, according to most scholars. Construction, rent, bills and staff salaries aren't among the eight zakat categories. But many mosques run a separate zakat fund that passes the money to eligible people, and you can give your zakat there. Support the mosque itself with sadaqah.
The majority view
Zakat has fixed recipients:
A mosque building, its heating bill or its carpet isn't any of these. The four Sunni schools understood "the cause of Allah" (fi sabilillah) mainly as those striving in Allah's path, not every good project. Many classical scholars also required zakat to be handed over to a person who becomes its owner, which a building can't do. So most scholars say zakat can't fund mosque construction or running costs.
Mosque zakat funds
Many mosques collect zakat separately and distribute it to local families in need, converts, students and refugees. This is allowed, and the mosque acts as your agent. Ask:
- Is zakat kept separate from general donations?
- Does it go only to eligible people?
The broader view
Some contemporary scholars interpret "the cause of Allah" more widely, to include projects that serve Islam, like Islamic schools, da'wah centers or mosques in places where Muslims have none. This is a minority position. If you follow it, do so after asking a qualified scholar, and it's still best to prioritize people in need.
Sadaqah for mosques
Mosques depend on voluntary donations, and supporting them is a beautiful form of ongoing charity. Every prayer, class and Quran recitation there can bring you reward long after you give. See What is sadaqah jariyah?
- Most scholars: no zakat for mosque buildings or costs.
- A mosque's zakat fund for the poor is fine.
- Some scholars take a broader view.
- Support mosques with sadaqah.
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