❖ Ruling on Using Mosque Funds for Personal Use
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Vol. 1 – Kitāb al-Masājid, Page 239
❖ Question:
Zayd is the treasurer of a mosque. He utilizes the mosque’s funds for his personal use, and whenever the mosque has a need, he returns the amount in full. Is such a practice permissible in light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah?
(Asked by: Ḥabībullāh, Sialkot)
❖ Clarification of the Question:
The meaning of the question is that Zayd, acting as the mosque treasurer, uses the amount deposited in the mosque fund for his personal business or needs.
For example:
If he has Rs. 1000 deposited in the mosque fund, he spends it for personal use, and when the mosque requires the money, he deposits the same amount back — even if it is in the form of different currency notes or denominations.
❖ Sharʿī Ruling:
In my view, if the mosque committee and the donors have no objection, then such an act is permissible.
The reason being:
Changing the physical notes does not alter the actual value, meaning that the trust remains preserved in essence.
[Reference: Shahādat Magazine, July 1999]وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
