Q.
(1) Is it permissible to accept donations from non Muslim individuals
or organizations, for an Islamic cause like building a mosque, madrassah
or similar other projects? We have been offered handsome donations for
a proposed mosque cum Islamic center in our vicinity, by the non-Muslims
of our area. The point of cover is that the source of income of the proposed
non Muslim donors could not be vouched for its being in accordance with
the tenets of Islam. Please advise us in the light of Shariah.
A. Donations for a mosque or an Islamic center can be accepted
from a non-Muslim individual or organization with the condition that such
donations are not, in any manner, harmful to the interests of the Muslims.
If, for example, there is an apprehension that the donors will try to
interfere with the management of the mosque or the Islamic center or the
donation will be detrimental to the self-respect of the Muslims, then,
such donations should not be accepted.
So far as the question of the source of income of the donor is concerned,
it is not necessary to carry out a detailed inquiry in this respect. However,
if the source of income obn the face of it, is proved to be haram, the
donation should not be accepted.
Q.
(2) Can one accept a donation for the
above cause from a Muslim whose source of income is absolutely illegitimate
(haram) and at the same time one can verify it?
(Dr.
Zakaullah, New york)
A. As mentioned in the case of a non-Muslim donor, one is not
required to enquire into the source of income of a donor, and unless it
is evidently clear that the source is haram, one can presume that the
money is halal. However, if it is absolutely clear, even without an inquiry,
that the donation has come out of a haram source, then it is not allowed
to accept such a donation.
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