I took a training course at the university. After finishing it, I was surprised that my name was listed among the people deserving a monthly stipend throughout the duration of the course. It should be known that this stipend was determined, in advance, for the unemployed, though I mentioned in my application that I work in a private sector company. I learned that it was impossible to give the money back to the ministry. My question is: Is it permissible to give this money in charity in channels of goodness such as building a mosque or helping a needy person, or is it obligatory to give it back to the state in one of its projects?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

If those who are in trust of the state treasury are just in spending the money, then you should give this money back to the treasury in any way you can because it is a part of it. If they are not just or it is impossible for you to give them the money back, then it is obligatory upon you to spend it in the public interests of Muslims such as building mosques and helping the needy.

Allaah Knows best.