Source: “Aḥkām wa Masāʾil in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith”, Volume 02
Fatwa by: ʿUbaydullāh Raḥmānī, Mufassir and Hadith Scholar (Muhaddith Dehlavī), and Sayyid Nadhīr Ḥusayn (Fatawā Nadhīriyyah, handwritten)
Muhaddith Dehli, Volume 8, Issue 4
Is it permissible for Muslims to donate or contribute in any way towards the religious practices or institutions of Hindus?
Specifically, in a locality with a large Hindu population, they are collecting funds from Muslims for the construction of a temple (mandir). Is it permissible under Islamic law to contribute to such a cause—especially under pressure due to the Hindu majority and fear of potential future mistreatment?
It is strictly impermissible and unlawful (ḥarām) to support or assist in any form the religious practices or establishments of Hindus—or any non-Muslim religious group—when their religion is rooted in shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief).
① Temple construction and related support is a clear and explicit aid to shirk, kufr, and idol worship, which Islam absolutely prohibits.
② The Qur'an commands:
﴿وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ﴾
“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Surah al-Ma’idah: 2)
③ A Muslim's belief and integrity should remain firm, even in the face of perceived threats or fears from majority populations. One should never compromise on matters of faith to avoid hypothetical dangers.
④ The Qur’an further reassures:
﴿ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّـهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴾
“Indeed, the party of Allah – they are the successful.” (Surah al-Mujādilah: 22)
➤ If someone builds a mosque using ḥarām (unlawful) wealth, such as:
…then that mosque will not be a source of reward, and praying in it is makrūh (discouraged) according to the three Imams (Abū Ḥanīfah, Mālik, and al-Shāfiʿī).
Only Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal allows the prayer to be valid in such cases, though the wealth used remains sinful.
➤ If the land of the mosque was purchased using ḥalāl wealth, and later repairs were done using ḥarām wealth, then:
✖ It is categorically forbidden to:
✔ Muslims should rely upon their faith and refuse to aid in sin, even if they live under pressure or are minorities.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah knows best what is correct.
Fatwa by: ʿUbaydullāh Raḥmānī, Mufassir and Hadith Scholar (Muhaddith Dehlavī), and Sayyid Nadhīr Ḥusayn (Fatawā Nadhīriyyah, handwritten)
Muhaddith Dehli, Volume 8, Issue 4
❖ Question:
Is it permissible for Muslims to donate or contribute in any way towards the religious practices or institutions of Hindus?
Specifically, in a locality with a large Hindu population, they are collecting funds from Muslims for the construction of a temple (mandir). Is it permissible under Islamic law to contribute to such a cause—especially under pressure due to the Hindu majority and fear of potential future mistreatment?
❖ Answer:
It is strictly impermissible and unlawful (ḥarām) to support or assist in any form the religious practices or establishments of Hindus—or any non-Muslim religious group—when their religion is rooted in shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief).
❖ Key Rulings and Evidence:
① Temple construction and related support is a clear and explicit aid to shirk, kufr, and idol worship, which Islam absolutely prohibits.
② The Qur'an commands:
﴿وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ﴾
“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Surah al-Ma’idah: 2)
③ A Muslim's belief and integrity should remain firm, even in the face of perceived threats or fears from majority populations. One should never compromise on matters of faith to avoid hypothetical dangers.
④ The Qur’an further reassures:
﴿ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّـهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴾
“Indeed, the party of Allah – they are the successful.” (Surah al-Mujādilah: 22)
❖ Important Clarification on Mosque Construction Using Ill-Gotten Wealth:
➤ If someone builds a mosque using ḥarām (unlawful) wealth, such as:
- Wealth earned through bribery,
- Income of singers/dancers (mughannī or mughanniyah),
- Or any form of usury (ribā),
…then that mosque will not be a source of reward, and praying in it is makrūh (discouraged) according to the three Imams (Abū Ḥanīfah, Mālik, and al-Shāfiʿī).
Only Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal allows the prayer to be valid in such cases, though the wealth used remains sinful.
➤ If the land of the mosque was purchased using ḥalāl wealth, and later repairs were done using ḥarām wealth, then:
- The use of unlawful wealth remains prohibited,
- But the prayers performed therein are not invalid.
❖ Final Conclusion:
✖ It is categorically forbidden to:
- Donate to temple construction,
- Support any religious practices of non-Muslims rooted in shirk and kufr,
- Use ḥarām wealth for mosque construction or repair.
✔ Muslims should rely upon their faith and refuse to aid in sin, even if they live under pressure or are minorities.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah knows best what is correct.
