Can You Use Zakat for Mosque Construction? A Guide for Donors
As-Salamu Alaikum! Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a powerful act of worship that purifies our wealth and uplifts the Ummah. But when you’re ready to give, a question often arises: Can I use Zakat for mosque construction? It’s a heartfelt query, especially when you see your local mosque needing a new prayer hall or community space. At Salah Mate (https://salahmate.com/), we’re here to guide you with clarity and introduce our free, AI-powered tools that make mosque donations secure and transparent.
What Does Zakat Fund?
The Quran outlines eight categories for Zakat in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60): the poor, needy, Zakat administrators, those reconciling hearts, captives freeing slaves, seeking freedom, debtors, travelers, and those in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah) (web ID 0). These focus primarily on zakat (direct aid to individuals), not mosque upkeep or construction. However, but most scholars agree that Zakat is meant to support people in need, not physical buildings like mosques.
Can Zakat Be Used for Mosques?
Here’s a balanced look at scholarly perspectives:
Not Permissible: Most scholars state mosques don’t fall under the eight categories. Zakat should go directly to eligible individuals, not construction or operational costs . For example, building a minaret or fixing a roof typically requires sadaqah, not Zakat.
Permissible in Special Cases: A minority of scholars allow Zakat for mosques under rare circumstances, like communities without a mosque or where the mosque serves as a Zakat distribution hub . Some interpret “fi sabilillah” broadly to include mosque projects in dire need.
Zakat Distribution via Mosques: If your mosque collects and distributes Zakat to the poor, you can give Zakat through it, but the funds must reach eligible recipients, not stay with the mosque.
Always consult a trusted scholar to align with your beliefs. Not sure where to start? IslamicFinder.org lists local scholars for guidance.
How Salah Mate Ensures Transparent Zakat Giving
At Salah Mate, our AI-driven platform, trusted by 25+ mosques in Europe and the USA, helps mosques manage donations with clarity:
Kiosk App: Donors give Zakat cashlessly via tablets (https://salahmate.com/getting-started-with-salah-mate-kiosk/) using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or QR codes. Our system tags Zakat funds separately, ensuring they reach the right recipients.
Salahmate App: Worshippers donate to verified Zakat campaigns, track their giving, and get AI-personalized reminders during Ramadan. One donor shared, “I gave Zakat in seconds and knew it went to the needy!”
TV Companion App: Mosques display Zakat campaign updates and QR codes, boosting trust and engagement.
Our platform increased donations by 30% for mosques like one in Manchester, where transparent tracking built donor confidence (web ID 0).
Sadaqah for Mosque Construction
If Zakat isn’t suitable, sadaqah is a beautiful alternative. Donating to mosque construction earns Sadaqah Jariyah, rewarding you for every prayer or lesson held there Salah Mate’s apps make sadaqah campaigns easy, from funding a women’s prayer hall to a community kitchen.
Get Your Mosque Started with Salah Mate
Mosques can join our free platform in three steps:
Register at https://panel.salahmate.com/register—no fees.
Await quick approval.
Set up kiosks and apps with our guide.
Your Next Step
Zakat and sadaqah strengthen our communities. Whether you’re a donor or mosque leader, Salah Mate’s AI tools ensure your giving makes an impact. Have questions? Reach us at [email protected], WhatsApp +34602325058, or book a demo at https://calendly.com/salahmate-info/demo.