Fatwa ID: 03699

Answered by: Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Question

Assalaamu Alaikum, is it is valid for an Islamic Center/masjid to require a monthly due of let’s say, 60 dollars, for membership? With membership, the member could vote, participate in elections and have a say in the administration of the Islamic centre/masjid.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Abu Hurairah narrates that the prophet PBUH said: “…And Allah is engaged in helping the worshipper as long as the worshipper is engaged in helping his brother.” [1]

Al-Hasan said: "People never seek advice except being guided to the best possibility available to them." Then he recited, "and manage their affairs by mutual consultation." [2]

Abu Saeed Al-Khudri said: I heard the Messenger of Allah PBUH say: “Whoever among you sees an evil and changes it with his hand, then he has done his responsibility. Whoever is unable to do that, but changes it with his tongue, then he has done his responsibility. Whoever is unable to do that, but changes it with his heart, then he has done his responsibility, and that is the weakest of Faith." [3]

The above narrations establish the importance of supporting others and the need for consultation. A monthly contribution to the masjid which provides a platform to voice for help and support of it’s managing and administrating is permissible in Islam, provided that the contributors/members fulfil their responsibilities with sincerity and efforts to the best of their ability.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham