Raising funds for Islamic institutions

1-7-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

Currently many mosques and Islamic centers are being built around the world similar to what happening in Australia. Because there is not enough individual donors, funds are raised through pledges, or special dinners (BBQ's), etc. To enter one of these venues, one has to pay and generally the price charged is more than what would be charged in restaurants. Is it allowable that we charge that extra money and is it allowed that non-Muslims also purchase tickets considering the fact that all income is intended for the use of the construction of a mosque or Islamic centre?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

There is no harm in taking what you mentioned as long as the buyer is not bound to buy and as long as he is aware of the increase in price and aware that this is a contribution in building a mosque or an Islamic center or a contribution in any other benevolent work that people need. This, in fact, is participation in the good and pious acts. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {… Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); …} [5: 2].
As for the contribution of non-Muslims, it is allowed as long as it does not result in something contradictory to the religion.
Allah knows best.