❖ Building a Mosque or Well from the Lawful Earnings of a Person Involved in Interest
Reference: Fatāwā Shaykh al-Ḥadīth Mubārakpūrī, Vol. 1, p. 189
❀ Question
Zayd is involved in interest-based business, yet he wishes to build a mosque or a well in his own or another village for public benefit.
People reject his contribution because of his involvement in ribā (usury).
Zayd responds:
"I also have wealth earned through lawful means, separate from my ribā dealings. I want to construct the mosque or well from that ḥalāl income only."
The questions:
① Should his claim be accepted?
② Should he be allowed to build a mosque or well?
(Question by: Muḥammad Muslim Raḥmānī, Māldah)
❀ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
- If Zayd indeed wishes to build the mosque or well from his lawful earnings—that is, wealth not connected to his ribā-based business—then it is permissible for him to do so.
- Praying in that mosque will be valid and rewarded by Allah.
- Benefiting from that well will also be Sharʿan permissible.
❀ Trusting His Word
- There is no Sharʿī obstacle in accepting Zayd’s statement that he is using his ḥalāl wealth for construction.
- His claim is to be taken at face value unless proven otherwise.
❀ Historical Precedent
- The polytheists of Makkah also rebuilt the Kaʿbah using their lawful income, and the Prophet ﷺ did not object.
- By analogy, if a non-Muslim considers mosque construction a righteous deed and donates from lawful earnings, accepting such help is permissible.
Reference: Muḥaddith Dihlawī, Vol. 1, Issue 5, Ramaḍān 1365 AH / August 1946
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
