Question:

What do the scholars say about our case: We have struggled for many years to retain an Imam for our Masjid due to not having residence for them, we have now obtained planning permission for a 2-bedroom flat adjoining the Masjid.

Can we use Masjid funds to build the flat for the Imam, it will be used to house the Imam and his family? Can we use funds from Jumma, Eid Collections, Gift aid etc.

Ansar Rafiq, Secretary GDMA

Answer:

 Allah praises those who build, renovate, and maintain Masjid, “The Masajid of Allah are maintained by people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, perform prayer, pay Zakat and fear none-but Allah; these are among the rightly guided.” (Tawbah:18) The Messenger also lauded such people, “The one who builds a masjid, Allah will build a mansion for him in Paradise.”

The funds raised in the masjid from your congregation are restricted funds for the use in that masjid. The masjid is the whole building including the wudu place, the toilets, classrooms, community hall, car park and any auxiliary buildings including the Imams flat.

Therefore, you can use masjid funds to build the Imams flat.

I commend you for the foresight, you are making a Muslim institution strong and self-sufficient, its good investment for the community. May Allah give you success.

And Allah ﷻ knows best

This fatwa is written by Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari OBE, DL, D.Univ