Derived from: Fatawa Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
❖ Question
Is it permissible to donate the skins of sacrificial animals to mosques?
❖ The Ruling
No, it is not permissible to donate the skins of sacrificial animals to mosques.
❖ Reason for Prohibition
The skins of sacrificial animals must only be used for the same eligible recipients as Zakah. These recipients are clearly listed in the Qur’an in Surah al-Tawbah.
Just like Zakah, the proceeds from sacrificial skins are considered obligatory charity (ṣadaqah wājibah). One of the essential conditions for such donations is “tamleek”—i.e., giving ownership to a rightful recipient, such as the poor or needy.
Donating to a mosque does not fulfill this condition, as a mosque is not an individual who can be made an owner.
❖ Conclusion
It is, therefore, impermissible to use sacrificial skins or Zakah funds for building or maintaining mosques. Only pure voluntary donations (non-obligatory charity) may be used for mosque-related expenses.
