Q. A Masjid sent out letters to the community (members of Jamaat) for a monthly pledge or donation of any amount affordable for the support of the Masjid. What is stated in the letter is “The monthly cost to maintain the Masjid averages $2,000.00. This includes the cost of water, cleaning services, refreshments for monthly lectures and general maintenance.” Please note that the cost for water (WASA), electricity (T&TEC), cleaning services and refreshments for monthly lectures are already paid for by individuals for each water/electricity bill, lecture and cleaning.
Will it be permissible to collect donations as stated in the letter even though the cost of some of the services are already paid for? Are there any corrections to be made by the authorities of the Masjid?
A. If these expenses are already taken up by individuals and there is no reason to be collecting for these, then the letter should not be drafted in this manner. They can make an appeal to the Muslims to contribute to the general upkeep of the Masjid.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan